The Delhi High Court has taken a serious step to fix the traffic and encroachment issues in Chandni Chowk. On January 28, 2026, a bench led by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya ordered the formation of a special committee. This committee will now oversee the ground situation daily because previous orders were not being followed properly by the authorities.
What Will the New Committee Do?
The court has stated that all civic agencies, including the Delhi Police and MCD, must report to this new committee. No new enforcement plans can be started without the committee’s permission. The court wants to ensure that rules are actually followed on the streets. Senior officials, local citizens, and members of the Traders’ Association will be part of this group to make sure everyone is represented and the monitoring is effective.
Rickshaw and Traffic Violations
During the hearing, the petitioners highlighted several major issues that are causing chaos in the area.
- Illegal Rickshaws: Only 400 rickshaws are officially allowed, but about 2,000 are running illegally in the market.
- Traffic Fines: Vehicles entering during restricted hours (9 AM – 9 PM) are supposed to face a ₹20,000 fine.
- Fine Reduction: Offenders often get this fine reduced to just ₹200 in Lok Adalats, which removes the fear of the law.
The court has listed the next hearing for February 24, 2026, and asked for immediate suggestions for committee members.
