Delhi laws bill extends validity to December 31, 2023

It does this to continue protecting certain unauthorized developments in Delhi from punitive action while the government completes ongoing processes for regularizing unauthorized colonies, village abadis, and other special areas.

Who it concerns: Residents of unauthorized colonies, village abadi areas (including urban villages), and special areas in Delhi; owners of farm houses, schools, dispensaries, religious and cultural institutions, and godowns/warehouses built on agricultural land or in non-conforming areas; and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and Central Government bodies responsible for planning and regularisation.

What the bill does

• Extends the expiry date of the principal Act from December 31, 2020, to December 31, 2023.
• Updates the definition of 'Master Plan' to refer to the Master Plan for Delhi as notified under the Delhi Development Act, 1957, rather than specifically 'Master Plan for Delhi, 2021'.
• Incorporates references to the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Recognition of Property Rights of Residents in Unauthorised Colonies) Act, 2019, and its Regulations, 2019.
• Specifies cut-off dates for regularisation: unauthorized colonies as per the 2019 Regulations, and village abadi areas as they existed on March 31, 2002, with construction allowed up to June 1, 2014.
• Repeals the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020, while validating actions taken under it.

Also in the document

• The Bill is deemed to have come into force on December 29, 2020, aligning with the date the previous Ordinance was promulgated.
• It replaces Ordinance No. 15 of 2020, which was issued because Parliament was not in session at the time.
• The Preamble is amended to reflect that the Master Plan for Delhi with a perspective for 2041 is under progress and that the policy for farm houses is still being prepared by the DDA.