Majnu ka Tila closing date: Located at the edge of Delhi in its Northeast corner, Majnu ka Tila or Delhi’s ‘Mini Tibet’, is a popular spot among young college goers and nostalgia seekers. Lined with affordable restaurants and canopies made of Tibetan flags, several establishments will soon be shut forever. According to a recent Delhi High Court judgement, the authorities will take action against the cafes, bars, and restaurants without an approved building plan and safety measures.
Situated along the Yamuna River, several rooftop cafés in the area operate across multiple floors, accessible by just a single staircase. Flagging serious safety and regulatory concerns, the Delhi High Court has ordered a strict crackdown on these illegally functioning multi-storeyed eateries. The court-directed action is expected to be completed within the next three months, with enforcement likely to wrap up by March 2026.
Majnu ka Tila: What’s closing?
Based on a PIL filed by Arnav Singh and one other individual, buildings in Majnu Ka Tila and New Aruna Nagar were reportedly 7-8 storeys high. These establishments had reportedly no approved fire safety plans, improper staircases (only lifts) and commercially occupied basements and rooftops. Calling such conditions a ‘life-threatening hazard’, the petitioner called for immediate action.
Hearing this, a bench comprising CJ Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela ordered the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to take strict action within the stipulated time, by March 30, who had already filed a Suo motu complaint.
Several popular establishments, such as the most famous AMA Cafe, are also under the authorities’ radar. A four-storey establishment, there is only one staircase that leads the customers to the top and narrow corridors which support the entire kitchen, bakery, and dining area. Similarly, at Dolma House, a popular spot for momos and other finger food, the court is likely to spare mobile carts and trolleys. The details for the exact establishments to be closed have not been disclosed yet, but several reports claim that names such as Tee Dee Café, Tenzin Aunty Laphing Stall, and other spots may also be under the radar, operating without proper permissions.
The area is also densely populated by monks and several residents from North East India. There are several tourist lodges at nearly every turn, and the multi-storey plan, with no alleged approval, proves to be a hazard for guests and owners. As of now, the business continues as usual with no demolitions or relocations. However, with the DDA and MCD approvals in limbo, the Delhi HC has flagged the potential risk the architecture may pose.
