Residents in Delhi may soon face steeper fines for civic offences, as the Centre proposes major amendments under the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026. The move aims to replace outdated penalties with a stricter, fine-based system while decriminalising minor violations.
The proposed changes will amend laws under the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (DMC Act, 1957) and the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC Act, 1994).
Key Changes in Fines
- Public urination or nuisance: ₹50 → ₹500
- Failure to remove filth: warning for first offence, then ₹500
- Letting dogs roam without a leash: ₹50 → ₹1,000
- Defacing house numbers: ₹50 → ₹1,000
- Occupying unsafe buildings or without completion certificate: ₹200 → ₹1,000
- Illegal structures obstructing roads: ₹100 → up to ₹5,000
Impact on Small Businesses
The revised penalties will also affect small vendors and informal businesses:
- Running food stalls without licence: ₹100 → ₹1,000
- Hawking or selling meat/fish without licence: ₹100 → ₹200
- Using unlicensed slaughterhouses: flat ₹500 penalty (replacing daily fines)
Focus on Ease of Living
Officials say the goal is to simplify laws by removing imprisonment for minor offences and introducing clearer, one-time penalties instead of recurring fines. The reforms are intended to improve compliance while promoting ease of living and doing business.
If passed, the new rules will significantly increase the cost of everyday civic violations in Delhi, encouraging better public behaviour and stricter adherence to municipal regulations.