In a major shift that could change how Delhiites deal with municipal violations, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has decriminalised 122 minor offences under the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, replacing the threat of fines and imprisonment in many cases with civil penalties, warnings and quicker dispute resolution.
The changes, implemented under the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, came into effect on May 15 and are being projected as an attempt to reduce harassment, ease compliance burdens and improve the ease of living and doing business in the Capital.
Under the new system, offences that earlier invited prosecution in courts will now be handled through adjudicating officers and monetary penalties, a move the civic body says is aimed at reducing procedural burden and speeding up enforcement. However, residents may now have to pay much steeper fines for violations ranging from public urination and littering to keeping aggressive dogs without leashes.
The new rules also empower the MCD to recover unpaid penalties as arrears of property tax if violators fail to clear dues within the stipulated period.
The MCD said 56 provisions involving fine or imprisonment have now been converted into penalties or warning-based action, while 28 punitive provisions have been removed entirely and 38 repealed.
The civic body has also introduced a spot penalty system. Field officers conducting inspections can now issue on-the-spot penalties for violations of municipal rules, with receipts generated immediately upon payment. If the accused disputes the violation, the matter will go before an adjudicating officer instead of directly entering the criminal justice system.
For several small traders, vendors and property owners who regularly interact with the civic authorities, the move is expected to reduce fear of criminal litigation over procedural lapses. The introduction of designated adjudicating officers and appellate authorities is also likely to speed up grievance redressal and reduce dependency on courts. Appeals against orders will have to be disposed of within 60 days.
Officials said the reforms are aimed at building a “trust-based governance framework” by modernising outdated provisions and making regulation more proportionate.
