Delhi Bill extends law validity to 2026, no new funds needed

It aims to continue protecting certain unauthorized developments in Delhi from punitive action while the government finalizes measures for relocation, rehabilitation, and the Master Plan for Delhi 2041.

Who it concerns: Residents of unauthorized colonies, slum dwellers, Jhuggi-Jhompri clusters, and owners of unauthorized constructions, farmhouses, and agricultural storages in the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

What the bill does

• Extends the expiration date of the principal Act from December 31, 2023, to December 31, 2026.
• Continues the suspension of punitive actions by local authorities against specific unauthorized developments that meet safety standards.
• Requires prior approval from the Administrator of the National Capital Territory of Delhi for any punitive action taken before the new expiration date.
• Allows the Central Government to withdraw the exemption from punitive action at any time before the new expiration date via notification.

Also in the document

• The Bill is an amendment to an existing Act (20 of 2011) rather than a new standalone law.
• The Financial Memorandum states that the provisions do not involve any expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India.
• The extension is linked to the ongoing process of conferring ownership rights to residents of unauthorized colonies and the finalization of the Master Plan for Delhi with a perspective year of 2041.