In the biggest single-day crackdown yet on the illegal commercialisation of residential properties in Gurugram’s upscale DLF colonies, the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) on Thursday sealed an unauthorised hotel, a hospital, multiple paying guest (PG) accommodations with over 72 rooms, and several unlicensed commercial establishments in DLF Phase 3.
Backed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s directions after a prolonged legal battle that travelled to the Supreme Court and back, the enforcement drive also witnessed a first for DLF — a JCB machine was deployed inside stilt floors to demolish illegal constructions, signalling a tougher approach towards restoration of residential properties.
The operation began around noon along Nathupur Road in S Block of DLF Phase 3 and was carried out by the District Town Planner (Enforcement) Amit Madholia-led team with police support, including women constables, and district administration officials. The action sent ripples across DLF Phases 1 to 4, where residents and property owners have long anticipated enforcement.
Among the largest violations detected was a 72-room PG operating from residential plot S-24/9. The building had been completely converted into a commercial lodging facility with 18 rooms on each of its four floors.
Another major action was taken at S-23/1, where Amaltas Apartments was operating as a 48-unit PG across five floors, including the basement and stilt area. The sealing operation faced resistance from the owner, who claimed no notice had been served, while several occupants, including senior citizens, protested that they had not been given adequate time to remove their belongings or arrange alternative accommodation. The enforcement team nevertheless vacated and sealed the premises.
Officials also sealed a beauty parlour functioning from the basement of S-24/1 along with a 25-room PG operating on the upper floors.
At plot NR-5, an unauthorised hotel operating under the name Moonlight was sealed, while an unauthorised hospital, The Medicity, was shut at NR-45. An unlicensed commercial office at NR-2 was also sealed.
At NR-38, a clinic operating under the Pristyn Care brand, which had permission only for medico-assisted use, was found to have illegally covered the mandatory side setback. The encroachment was demolished. Across S Block, servant quarters, offices in stilt areas, boutiques, leisure rooms and interior design studios operating without approval were either demolished or sealed.
The action follows a prolonged legal process. The Punjab and Haryana High Court had first ordered enforcement in February 2025, but the Supreme Court stayed the drive in April 2025 before sending the matter back to the high court in November 2025 for fresh consideration after hearing all parties. In May this year, the high court directed the department to resume enforcement.
Some petitions remain pending before the high court, with the next hearing scheduled for July 6. Meanwhile, several affected property owners approached district courts over the past few days seeking interim relief, but all three petitions were dismissed, clearing the way for today’s action.
According to the DTCP, over 5,099 notices have now been issued across DLF Phases 1 to 5 for illegal construction and unauthorised commercial use. Around 2,000 notices relate specifically to illegal covering of stilt areas, while nearly 500 restoration orders have already been passed.
District Town Planner (Enforcement) Amit Madholia said the department would continue the drive until every high court restoration order is implemented. He also warned that FIRs would be registered against anyone attempting to obstruct government officials during enforcement.
