2-Year Jail, Hefty Fine: Delhi To Invoke DDMA Act Against Owners Of Illegal Buildings

In a major crackdown on illegal construction and safety violations, the Delhi government decided to invoke provisions of the Disaster Management Act (DDMA), paving the way for stringent action against landlords, commercial establishment owners and government officials found responsible for violations.

The move follows a series of recent tragedies linked to illegal construction and non-compliance with safety norms across the capital. At least 21 people, including 12 foreigners, were killed after a massive fire broke out at a hotel in a congested lane of south Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area on Wednesday.

Up To 2 Years In Jail For Violators

Delhi Minister Ashish Sood on Friday said the government will invoke the Disaster Management Act, 2005, to enforce stricter penalties against property

owners and operators who violate official orders.

“Delhi Government will invoke the DDMA Act to enforce up to two years’ imprisonment on landlords and owners of commercial establishments for violations of orders. Action will also be taken against officials found complicit,” he said.

#WATCH | Delhi Minister Ashish Sood says, “…Delhi Govt will invoke DDMA Act to enforce 2-year-jail on landlords and owners of commercial establishments on violations of orders, action against officers for complicity…” pic.twitter.com/Aiusgdn67H

— ANI (@ANI) June 5, 2026

Officials said the provisions would apply to a range of violations, including unauthorised construction, safety lapses and operating commercial establishments without required permissions.

Government Officials To Be Held Personally Accountable

The minister announced sweeping measures to fix accountability within government departments.

According to Sood, District Magistrates (DMs) will be empowered to hold officials personally responsible for negligence, take action against officers for complicity or failure to enforce regulations.

“Not only suspension, but salary, pension, retirement benefits and even personal assets can be used to recover losses if negligence or corruption by a government official leads to loss of life,” he said.

DMs will also be authorised to initiate disciplinary proceedings, order departmental action, and register FIRs against erring officials.

Joint Inspection Teams To Check Hotels, Guest Houses, Restaurants

The Delhi government has constituted joint enforcement committees under the leadership of District Magistrates to conduct inspections across the city.

The committees will include officials from multiple agencies and will inspect guest houses, hotels, banquet halls, restaurants and other commercial establishments.

According to the government, establishments found operating without valid permissions, violating licence conditions or posing safety risks will face immediate sealing and legal action.

The minister added that strengthening the powers of District Magistrates and enforcing accountability at every level would help prevent future tragedies and ensure stricter compliance with building and safety norms across Delhi.

Buildings Above Four Floors Under Scanner

As part of the crackdown, the government has ordered a review of all buildings constructed beyond Ground+4 floors.

Authorities will examine whether such structures comply with sanctioned building plans and safety regulations.

Buildings found to have unauthorised floors or major deviations from approved plans could be sealed, officials said.

MCD Crackdown On Illegal Constructions

Meanwhile, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has intensified its crackdown on illegal constructions across the capital, demolishing 82 properties and sealing 43 others since June 1.

Acting on directions from Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, MCD teams, assisted by Delhi Police, carried out demolition and sealing drives across multiple zones. More than 150 notices were also issued for unauthorised construction, property misuse and violations of building bylaws.

In South Delhi, authorities identified dozens of guest houses and commercial establishments operating in violation of norms. Five guest houses in Hauz Rani, including Green Residency, Venue Inn and Mikasa Inn, were sealed. Action was also taken against properties in Said-ul-Azaib, Khirki Extension, Savitri Nagar, Sainik Farm and Khanpur.

Three basements being used as libraries in Gautam Nagar were sealed for violating regulations.

MCD said surveys are underway to identify illegal residential and commercial properties across all zones and warned that demolition and sealing drives will become more stringent in the coming days. The civic body urged residents to avoid unauthorised construction, stressing that violations of building laws will invite strict action.