MunicipalReforms – Delhi Civic Body Introduces Civil Penalty System Under New Law
MunicipalReforms – The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has introduced a revised enforcement framework after the implementation of the Jan Vishwas Act, 2026, allowing designated officials to impose civil penalties for specific violations instead of pursuing criminal action.
The decision follows amendments made to the Delhi Municipal Corporation (DMC) Act, 1957, under the newly notified legislation issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on May 15. The revised legal structure aims to simplify the handling of minor municipal offences by replacing criminal proceedings with monetary fines.
MCD Appoints Officers Across Departments
In an official order signed by MCD Commissioner Sanjeev Khirwar on Saturday, officers from multiple civic departments have been granted authority to function as adjudicating officers under Sections 468A and 468B of the amended DMC Act.
The departments covered under the order include Advertisement, Factory Licensing, Civic Works, Licensing, Veterinary Services, Building and Engineering, DEMS, and Health. These officers will oversee cases related to their respective jurisdictions across all 12 municipal zones of Delhi.
The civic administration stated that the move is intended to streamline enforcement procedures while reducing the burden of criminal litigation in cases involving minor civic violations.
Appeals Process Defined Under Revised Framework
Apart from adjudicating officers, deputy commissioners and senior officials from different departments have also been assigned the role of appellate authorities. These officers will review appeals filed against orders issued by adjudicating officials.
According to the order, individuals seeking to challenge a penalty decision will have a 30-day window to file an appeal. The appellate authorities have been instructed to resolve such appeals within 60 days from the date of filing.
Officials said the revised mechanism is expected to provide a more structured and time-bound process for resolving disputes related to civic violations.
Powers Granted for Inquiry and Evidence Examination
The MCD has also empowered adjudicating officers to conduct formal inquiries before imposing penalties. These powers include summoning individuals, ensuring attendance during proceedings, and examining evidence linked to alleged violations.
Authorities noted that the introduction of these powers is aimed at ensuring transparency and procedural fairness while handling enforcement matters under the amended law.
The Jan Vishwas Act, 2026, was introduced as part of a broader initiative to decriminalise minor offences under several laws and replace punitive criminal measures with civil enforcement systems. Officials believe the updated process will improve administrative efficiency and encourage quicker disposal of cases.
Previous Fine Collection Practice Withdrawn
The civic body has simultaneously directed officials to discontinue the earlier practice of issuing challans under the previous enforcement system of the DMC Act, 1957.
Following the implementation of the new provisions from May 15, zonal deputy commissioners and department heads from CL&EC, Factory Licensing, and Advertisement divisions have been instructed to inform concerned officials about the revised procedure.
As a result, penalties related to the specified provisions of the DMC Act will now be handled only through the newly established adjudication mechanism instead of the older challan-based system.
Officials indicated that the changes are expected to create a more citizen-friendly and compliance-oriented municipal governance structure while maintaining accountability for civic violations across the national capital.