The Delhi Development Act, 1957

Summary of the Delhi Development Act, 1957

Key Provisions:
1. Establishment of Delhi Development Authority (DDA)
o The Act provides for the establishment of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) as a statutory body.
o DDA is responsible for planning, development, and management of land in Delhi.
o It has powers to acquire, hold, manage, and dispose of property.
2. Preparation of Master Plan
o The Act empowers DDA to prepare a Master Plan for Delhi.
o The Master Plan specifies:
 Land use zones.
 Development policies.
 Infrastructure requirements.
 Residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational areas.
3. Zonal Development Plans
o DDA prepares zonal development plans for different areas of Delhi.
o These plans provide detailed guidelines for development within specific zones.
4. Development and Use of Land
o The Act regulates the development and use of land in Delhi.
o No development can generally be carried out without permission from the competent authority.
o DDA may undertake development works and housing projects.
5. Acquisition and Disposal of Land
o The Act authorises DDA to acquire land for planned development.
o It may develop land and dispose of it through allotment, lease, or other approved methods.
6. Control of Unauthorized Development
o The Act provides measures to prevent unauthorised construction and misuse of land.
o Authorities may issue directions, stop development, or take action against violations.
7. Finance and Administration
o The Act provides for:
 DDA funds.
 Preparation of budgets and accounts.
 Audit of financial records.
 Government supervision and directions.

Legislative History:

The Delhi Development Act, 1957

Act Title-The Delhi Development Act, 1957

Act Number/Year- 61 of 1957

Act ID (India Code)-195761

Presidential Assent date-December 27, 1957

Enforcement Date-December 30, 1957

Nodal Ministry-Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs

Precedent & Historical Rationale

1. Unplanned Urban Expansion Post-Partition: The massive influx of displaced persons following Partition resulted in rapid, haphazard urban growth across Delhi, exceeding the capacity of the Delhi Improvement Trust (DIT) created in 1937.

2. Creation of Statutory Planning Authority: Enacted to establish the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to promote and secure the planned development of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The Act empowered the DDA to acquire, hold, manage, and dispose of land, as well as frame, execute, and periodically revise Master Plans and Zonal Development Plans for Delhi.

Parliamentary Trajectory & Enactment

● Formulation: Introduced by the Ministry of Health (then managing urban planning) to replace ad-hoc development bodies with a unified statutory authority.

● Parliamentary passage: Debated and passed by both Houses of Parliament (Second Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) in December 1957.

● Presidential Assent: Received Presidential Assent on December 27, 1957.

● Enforcement: Enforced on December 30, 1957.

Source: Official Record of Parliament, India Code, and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs

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