The Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957
Administered Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs / Department of States
Section
Section 293 Omitted..
[Power to alter or extend the schemes.] Omitted by s. 7(b) and the Second Schedule, ibid. (w.e.f 3-11-1971).
Section 294 Omitted..
[The Undertaking to be run on business principles.] Omitted by s. 7(b) and the Second Schedule, ibid. (w.e.f 3-11-1971).
Section 295 Omitted..
[Application of the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1939, or any rules made thereunder to vehicles and employees of the Undertaking.] Omitted by s. 7(b) and the Second Schedule, ibid. (w.e.f 3- 11-1971).
Section 296 Omitted..
[Power of Central Government to exempt vehicles of the Corporation from payment of certain charges.] Omitted by s. 7(b) and the Second Schedule, ibid. (w.e.f 3-11-1971).
Section 297 Omitted..
[Maintenance and repairs of portion of streets where tramway is laid.] Omitted by s. 7(b) and the Second Schedule, ibid. (w.e.f 3-11-1971).
Section 298 Vesting of public streets in the Corporation.
(1) 1[(1) All streets within the jurisdiction of 2[3[the Corporation]] constituted under sub-section (1) of section 3 of the this Act which are or at any time become public streets, and the pavements, stones and other materials thereof shall vest in such Corporation:
Provided that no public street which immediately before the commencement of the Delhi Municipal Corporation (Amendment) Act, 2011 vested in the Union, shall, unless the 4[Government] with the consent of the concerned Corporation so directs, vest in such Corporation by virtue of this sub-section.]
(2) All public streets vesting in 2[3[the Corporation]] shall be under the control of the Commissioner and shall be maintained; controlled and regulated by him in accordance with the bye-laws made in this behalf.
5 [(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-sections (1) and (2), the 4[Government] may, by notification, direct that all or any of the functions of 2[3[the Corporation]] or the Commissioner, in respect of public streets under this Act shall be performed by such authority as may be specified therein.]
Provided that no public street which immediately before the commencement of the Delhi Municipal Corporation (Amendment) Act, 2011 vested in the Union, shall, unless the 4[Government] with the consent of the concerned Corporation so directs, vest in such Corporation by virtue of this sub-section.]
(2) All public streets vesting in 2[3[the Corporation]] shall be under the control of the Commissioner and shall be maintained; controlled and regulated by him in accordance with the bye-laws made in this behalf.
5 [(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-sections (1) and (2), the 4[Government] may, by notification, direct that all or any of the functions of 2[3[the Corporation]] or the Commissioner, in respect of public streets under this Act shall be performed by such authority as may be specified therein.]
1. Subs. by Delhi Act 12 of 2011, s. 16, for sub-section (1) (w.e.f. 13-1-2012).
2. Subs. by s. 2, ibid., for "the Corporation" (w.e.f. 13-1-2012).
3. Subs. by Act 10 of 2022, s. 2, for "a Corporation" (w.e.f. 22-5-2022).
4. Subs. by Delhi Act 12 of 2011, s. 2, for "Central Government" (w.e.f. 13-1-2012).
5. Ins. by Act 67 of 1993, s. 97 (w.e.f. 1-10-1993).
2. Subs. by s. 2, ibid., for "the Corporation" (w.e.f. 13-1-2012).
3. Subs. by Act 10 of 2022, s. 2, for "a Corporation" (w.e.f. 22-5-2022).
4. Subs. by Delhi Act 12 of 2011, s. 2, for "Central Government" (w.e.f. 13-1-2012).
5. Ins. by Act 67 of 1993, s. 97 (w.e.f. 1-10-1993).
Section 299 Functions of Commissioner in respect of public streets.
(1)The Commissioner shall, from time to time, cause all public streets vested in 1[2[the Corporation]] to be levelled, metalled or paved, channelled, altered or repaired, and may widen, extend or otherwise improve any such street or cause the soil thereof to be raised, lowered or altered or may place and keep in repair fences and posts for the safety of foot-passengers:
Provided that no widening, extension or other improvement of a public street, the aggregate cost of which will exceed five thousand rupees, shall be undertaken by the Commissioner except with the previous sanction of 1[2[the Corporation]].
(2) With the previous sanction of 1[2[the Corporation]] the Commissioner may permanently close the whole or any part of a public street:
Provided that before according such sanction 1[2[the Corporation]] shall by notice publish in the manner specified by bye-laws give reasonable opportunity to the residents likely to be affected by such closure to make suggestions or objections with respect to such closure and shall consider all such suggestions or objections which may be made within one month from the date of the publication of the said notice.
Provided that no widening, extension or other improvement of a public street, the aggregate cost of which will exceed five thousand rupees, shall be undertaken by the Commissioner except with the previous sanction of 1[2[the Corporation]].
(2) With the previous sanction of 1[2[the Corporation]] the Commissioner may permanently close the whole or any part of a public street:
Provided that before according such sanction 1[2[the Corporation]] shall by notice publish in the manner specified by bye-laws give reasonable opportunity to the residents likely to be affected by such closure to make suggestions or objections with respect to such closure and shall consider all such suggestions or objections which may be made within one month from the date of the publication of the said notice.
1. Subs. by s. 2, ibid., for “the Corporation” (w.e.f. 13-1-2012).
2. Subs. by Act 10 of 2022, s. 2, for “a Corporation” (w.e.f. 22-5-2022).
2. Subs. by Act 10 of 2022, s. 2, for “a Corporation” (w.e.f. 22-5-2022).
Section 300 Disposal of land forming site of public streets permanently closed.
Whenever any public street or a part thereof is permanently closed under sub-section (2) of section 299 the site of such street or of the portion thereof may be disposed of as land vesting in 1[2[the Corporation]].
1. Subs. by Delhi Act 12 of 2011, s. 2 “the Corporation” (w.e.f. 13-1-2012).
2. Subs. by Act 10 of 2022, s. 2, for “a Corporation” (w.e.f. 22-5-2022).
2. Subs. by Act 10 of 2022, s. 2, for “a Corporation” (w.e.f. 22-5-2022).
Section 301 Power to make new public streets.
The Commissioner may at any time with the previous sanction of 1[2[the Corporation]]:---
(a) lay out and make new public streets;
(b) construct bridges and sub-ways;
(c) turn or divert any existing public street; and
(d) lay down and determine the position and direction of a street or streets in any part of 3[4[Delhi]] notwithstanding that no proposal for the erection of any building in the vicinity has been received.
(a) lay out and make new public streets;
(b) construct bridges and sub-ways;
(c) turn or divert any existing public street; and
(d) lay down and determine the position and direction of a street or streets in any part of 3[4[Delhi]] notwithstanding that no proposal for the erection of any building in the vicinity has been received.
1. Subs. by Delhi Act 12 of 2011, s. 2 “the Corporation” (w.e.f. 13-1-2012).
2. Subs. by Act 10 of 2022, s. 2, for “a Corporation” (w.e.f. 22-5-2022).
3. Subs. by Delhi Act 12 of 2011, s. 2, for “Delhi” (w.e.f. 13-1-2012).
4. Subs. by Act 10 of 2022, s. 2, for “the area of the Corporation” (w.e.f. 22-5-2022).
2. Subs. by Act 10 of 2022, s. 2, for “a Corporation” (w.e.f. 22-5-2022).
3. Subs. by Delhi Act 12 of 2011, s. 2, for “Delhi” (w.e.f. 13-1-2012).
4. Subs. by Act 10 of 2022, s. 2, for “the area of the Corporation” (w.e.f. 22-5-2022).
Section 302 Minimum width of new public streets.
The Commissioner shall, from time to time, with the sanction of the Standing Committee, specify the minimum width of different classes of new public streets according to the nature of the traffic likely to be carried thereon, and the streets with which they join at one or both ends, the localities in which they are situated, the heights up to which buildings abutting thereon may be erected and other similar considerations.
Section 303 Power to prohibit use of public streets for certain kind of traffic
(1) The Commissioner may
(a) prohibit vehicular traffic in any public street or any portion thereof so as to prevent danger, obstruction or inconvenience to the public or to ensure quietness in any locality;
(b) prohibit in respect of all public streets, or any particular public street, the transit of any vehicle of such form, construction, weight or size or laden with such heavy or unwiledy objects as may be likely to cause injury to the roadways or any construction thereon, except under such conditions as to time, mode of traction or locomotion, use of appliances for the protection of roadways, number of lights and assistants and other general precautions and upon the payment of such charges as may be specified by the Commissioner generally or specially in each case;
(c) prohibit access to premises from any particular public street carrying high speed vehicular traffic :
Provided that the Commissioner shall not take action without the sanction of 1[2[the Corporation]] in cases under clause (a) and without the sanction of the Standing Committee in cases under clause (c).
(2) Notices of such prohibition as are imposed under sub-section (1) shall be posted in conspicuous places at or near both ends of public streets or portions thereof to which they relate, unless such prohibition applies generally to all public streets.
(a) prohibit vehicular traffic in any public street or any portion thereof so as to prevent danger, obstruction or inconvenience to the public or to ensure quietness in any locality;
(b) prohibit in respect of all public streets, or any particular public street, the transit of any vehicle of such form, construction, weight or size or laden with such heavy or unwiledy objects as may be likely to cause injury to the roadways or any construction thereon, except under such conditions as to time, mode of traction or locomotion, use of appliances for the protection of roadways, number of lights and assistants and other general precautions and upon the payment of such charges as may be specified by the Commissioner generally or specially in each case;
(c) prohibit access to premises from any particular public street carrying high speed vehicular traffic :
Provided that the Commissioner shall not take action without the sanction of 1[2[the Corporation]] in cases under clause (a) and without the sanction of the Standing Committee in cases under clause (c).
(2) Notices of such prohibition as are imposed under sub-section (1) shall be posted in conspicuous places at or near both ends of public streets or portions thereof to which they relate, unless such prohibition applies generally to all public streets.
1. Subs. by Delhi Act 12 of 2011, s. 2 “the Corporation” (w.e.f. 13-1-2012).
2. Subs. by Act 10 of 2022, s. 2, for “a Corporation” (w.e.f. 22-5-2022).
2. Subs. by Act 10 of 2022, s. 2, for “a Corporation” (w.e.f. 22-5-2022).
Section 304 Power to acquire lands and buildings for public streets and for public parking places.
Subject to the provisions contained in Chapter X, the Commissioner may
(a) acquire any land required for the purpose of opening, widening, extending or otherwise improving any public street or of making any new public street, and any building standing upon such land;
(b) acquire in relation to any such land or building, all such land with buildings, if any, thereon as 1[2[ the Corporation]] may think expedient to acquire outside of the regular line, or of the intended regular line, of such street;
(c) acquire any land for the purpose of laying out or making a public parking place.
(a) acquire any land required for the purpose of opening, widening, extending or otherwise improving any public street or of making any new public street, and any building standing upon such land;
(b) acquire in relation to any such land or building, all such land with buildings, if any, thereon as 1[2[ the Corporation]] may think expedient to acquire outside of the regular line, or of the intended regular line, of such street;
(c) acquire any land for the purpose of laying out or making a public parking place.
1. Subs. by Delhi Act 12 of 2011, s. 2 “the Corporation” (w.e.f. 13-1-2012).
2. Subs. by Act 10 of 2022, s. 2, for “a Corporation” (w.e.f. 22-5-2022).
2. Subs. by Act 10 of 2022, s. 2, for “a Corporation” (w.e.f. 22-5-2022).
Section 305 Defining the regular line of streets
(1) The Commissioner may define a line on one or both sides of any public street in accordance with the bye-laws made in this behalf and may, with the previous sanction of 1[2[the Corporation]], redefine at any time any such regular line :
Provided that, before according sanction 1[2[the Corporation]] shall by public notice afford reasonable opportunity to the residents of premises abutting on such public street to make suggestions or objections with respect to the proposed redefined line of the street and shall consider all such suggestions or objections which may be made within one month from the date of the publication of the said notice:
Provided further that the regular line of any public street operative under any law in force in any part of Delhi immediately before the commencement of this Act shall be deemed to be a line defined by the Commissioner under this sub-section.
(2) The line for the time being defined or redefined shall be called the regular line of street.
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1. Subs. by Delhi Act 12 of 2011, s. 2, "the Corporation" (w.e.f. 13-1-2012).
2. Subs. by Act 10 of 2022, s. 2, for "a Corporation" (w.e.f. 22-5-2022).
3. Sub-sections (3), (4), (5), (6) and (7) omitted by Act 8 of 2026, s. 2 and Sch. (w.e.f. 15-5-2026).
Section 306 Setting back building to regular line of street.
(1) If any part of a building abutting on a public street is within the regular line of that street, the Commissioner may, whenever it is proposed--
(a) to repair, rebuild or construct such building or to take down such building to an extent exceeding one-half thereof above the ground level, such half to be measured in cubic feet; or
(b) to repair, remove, construct or reconstruct or make any additions to, or structural alterations of, any portion of such building which is within the regular line of the street,
by any order which he issues concerning the additions to, rebuilding, construction, repair or alterations of, such building, require such building to be set back to the regular line of the street.
(2) When any building or any part thereof within the regular line of a public street falls down or is burnt down or is, whether by the order of the Commissioner or otherwise, taken down, the Commissioner may forthwith take possession on behalf of 1[2[the Corporation]] of the portion of the land within the regular line of the street therefore occupied by the said building and, if necessary, clear the same.
(3) Land acquired under this section shall be deemed to be a part of the public street and shall vest in 1[2[the Corporation]] .
(a) to repair, rebuild or construct such building or to take down such building to an extent exceeding one-half thereof above the ground level, such half to be measured in cubic feet; or
(b) to repair, remove, construct or reconstruct or make any additions to, or structural alterations of, any portion of such building which is within the regular line of the street,
by any order which he issues concerning the additions to, rebuilding, construction, repair or alterations of, such building, require such building to be set back to the regular line of the street.
(2) When any building or any part thereof within the regular line of a public street falls down or is burnt down or is, whether by the order of the Commissioner or otherwise, taken down, the Commissioner may forthwith take possession on behalf of 1[2[the Corporation]] of the portion of the land within the regular line of the street therefore occupied by the said building and, if necessary, clear the same.
(3) Land acquired under this section shall be deemed to be a part of the public street and shall vest in 1[2[the Corporation]] .
1. Subs. by Delhi Act 12 of 2011, s. 2 “the Corporation” (w.e.f. 13-1-2012).
2. Subs. by Act 10 of 2022, s. 2, for “a Corporation” (w.e.f. 22-5-2022).
2. Subs. by Act 10 of 2022, s. 2, for “a Corporation” (w.e.f. 22-5-2022).
Section 307 Compulsory setting back of building to regular line of street.
(1) Where any building or any part thereof is within the regular line of a public street and in the opinion of the Commissioner it is necessary to set back the building or part thereof to the regular line of the street he may, by notice served on the owner in accordance with the provisions of this Act, require him to show cause within such period as may be specified in the notice as to why such building or part thereof which is within the regular line of the street should not be pulled down and the land within the regular line acquired by the Commissioner on behalf of 1[2[the Corporation]].
(2) If such owner fails to show cause as required by sub-section (1) the Commissioner may, with the approval of the Standing Committee, require the owner by another notice to be served on him in accordance with the provisions of this Act, to pull down the building or part thereof which is within the regular line of the street within such period as is specified in the notice.
(3) If within such period the owner of the building fails to pull down the building or part thereof as required by the Commissioner, the Commissioner may pull down the same and all the expenses incurred in so doing shall be paid by the owner and recoverable from him as an arrear of tax under this Act.
(4) The Commissioner shall at once take possession on behalf of 1[2[the Corporation]] of the portion of the land within the regular line of the street occupied by the said building or part thereof and such land shall thereupon be deemed to be a part of the public street and shall vest in 1[2[the Corporation]].
(2) If such owner fails to show cause as required by sub-section (1) the Commissioner may, with the approval of the Standing Committee, require the owner by another notice to be served on him in accordance with the provisions of this Act, to pull down the building or part thereof which is within the regular line of the street within such period as is specified in the notice.
(3) If within such period the owner of the building fails to pull down the building or part thereof as required by the Commissioner, the Commissioner may pull down the same and all the expenses incurred in so doing shall be paid by the owner and recoverable from him as an arrear of tax under this Act.
(4) The Commissioner shall at once take possession on behalf of 1[2[the Corporation]] of the portion of the land within the regular line of the street occupied by the said building or part thereof and such land shall thereupon be deemed to be a part of the public street and shall vest in 1[2[the Corporation]].
1. Subs. by Delhi Act 12 of 2011, s. 2 “the Corporation” (w.e.f. 13-1-2012).
2. Subs. by Act 10 of 2022, s. 2, for “a Corporation” (w.e.f. 22-5-2022).
2. Subs. by Act 10 of 2022, s. 2, for “a Corporation” (w.e.f. 22-5-2022).
Section 308 Acquisition of open land and land occupied by platforms, etc., within the regular line of street.
If any land, whether open or enclosed, not vesting in 1[2[the Corporation]] and not occupied by any building is within the regular line of a public street or if a platform, verandah, step, compound wall, hedge or fence or some other structure external to a building abutting on a public street or a portion of such platform, verandah, step, compound wall, hedge, fence or other structure is within the regular line of such street the Commissioner may, after giving to the owner of the land or building not less than seven clear days' notice of his intention so to do, take possession on behalf of 1[2[the Corporation]] of the said land with its enclosing wall, hedge or fence, if any, or of the said platform, verandah, step, compound wall, hedge, fence or other structure or of any portion thereof which is within the regular line of the public street and, if necessary, clear the same and the land so acquired shall thereupon be deemed to be a part of the public street and shall vest in 1[2[the Corporation]]:
Provided that where the land or building is vested in the Union or a State the Commissioner shall not take posession thereof without the previous sanction of the Central 3[Government].
Provided that where the land or building is vested in the Union or a State the Commissioner shall not take posession thereof without the previous sanction of the Central 3[Government].
1. Subs. by Delhi Act 12 of 2011, s. 2 “the Corporation” (w.e.f. 13-1-2012).
2. Subs. by Act 10 of 2022, s. 2, for “a Corporation” (w.e.f. 22-5-2022).
3. Subs. by Delhi Act 12 of 2011, s. 2 “ Central Government” (w.e.f. 13-1-2012).
2. Subs. by Act 10 of 2022, s. 2, for “a Corporation” (w.e.f. 22-5-2022).
3. Subs. by Delhi Act 12 of 2011, s. 2 “ Central Government” (w.e.f. 13-1-2012).
Section 309 Acquisition of the remaining part of a building and land after their portions within a regular line of street have been acquired.
(1) Where a land or building is partly within the regular line of a public street and the Commissioner is satisfied that the land remaining after the excision of the portion within the said line will not be suitable or fit for any beneficial use, he may, at the request of the owner, acquire such land in addition to the land within the said line and such surplus land shall be deemed to be a part of the public street and shall vest in 1[2[the Corporation ]].
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1. Subs. by Delhi Act 12 of 2011, s. 2 “the Corporation” (w.e.f. 13-1-2012).
2. Subs. by Act 10 of 2022, s. 2, for “a Corporation” (w.e.f. 22-5-2022).
3. Sub-section (2) omitted by Act 8 of 2026, s. 2 and Sch. (w.e.f. 15-5-2026).
Section 310 Omitted.
[Setting forward of buildings to the regular line of street.] Omitted by the Jan Vishwas(Amendment of Provision) Act, 2026 (8 of 2026), s. 2 and Sch. (w.e.f. 15-5-2026).
Section 311 Compensation to be paid in certain cases of setting back or setting forward of buildings, etc.
(1) Compensation shall be paid by the Commissioner to the owner of any building or land acquired for a public street under the provisions of sections 306, 307 and 308 for any loss which such owner may sustain in consequence of his building or land being so acquired and for any expense incurred by such owner in consequence of any order made by the Commissioner:
Provided that:--
(a) any increase or decrease in the value of the remainder of the property of which the building or land so acquired formed part, likely to accrue from the setting back to the regular line of the street shall be taken into consideration and allowed for in determining the amount of such compensation;
(b) if any such increase in the value exceeds the amount of loss sustained or expenses incurred by the owner, the Commissioner may recover from him half the amount of such excess as a betterment charge.
(2) If in consequence of any order to set forward a building made by the Commissioner, the owner of such building sustains any loss or damage, compensation shall be paid to him by the Commissioner for such loss or damage after taking into account any increase in value likely to accrue from the setting forward.
(3) If the additional land which will be included in the premises of any person required or permitted under sub-section (2) to set forward a building belongs to 1[2[ the Corporation]], the order or permission of the Commissioner to set forward the building shall be a sufficient conveyance to the said owner of the said land; and the price to be paid to 1[2[the Corporation]] by the owner for such additional land and the other terms and conditions of the conveyance shall be set forth in the order or permission.
(4) If, when the Commissioner requires any building to be set forward, the owner of the building is dissatisfied with the price fixed to be paid to 1[2[the Corporation]] or with any of the terms or conditions of conveyance, the Commissioner shall, upon the application of the owner at any time within fifteen days after the said terms and conditions are communicated to him, refer the case for the determination of the court or the district judge of Delhi whose decision thereon shall be final.
Provided that:--
(a) any increase or decrease in the value of the remainder of the property of which the building or land so acquired formed part, likely to accrue from the setting back to the regular line of the street shall be taken into consideration and allowed for in determining the amount of such compensation;
(b) if any such increase in the value exceeds the amount of loss sustained or expenses incurred by the owner, the Commissioner may recover from him half the amount of such excess as a betterment charge.
(2) If in consequence of any order to set forward a building made by the Commissioner, the owner of such building sustains any loss or damage, compensation shall be paid to him by the Commissioner for such loss or damage after taking into account any increase in value likely to accrue from the setting forward.
(3) If the additional land which will be included in the premises of any person required or permitted under sub-section (2) to set forward a building belongs to 1[2[ the Corporation]], the order or permission of the Commissioner to set forward the building shall be a sufficient conveyance to the said owner of the said land; and the price to be paid to 1[2[the Corporation]] by the owner for such additional land and the other terms and conditions of the conveyance shall be set forth in the order or permission.
(4) If, when the Commissioner requires any building to be set forward, the owner of the building is dissatisfied with the price fixed to be paid to 1[2[the Corporation]] or with any of the terms or conditions of conveyance, the Commissioner shall, upon the application of the owner at any time within fifteen days after the said terms and conditions are communicated to him, refer the case for the determination of the court or the district judge of Delhi whose decision thereon shall be final.
1. Subs. by Delhi Act 12 of 2011, s. 2 “the Corporation” (w.e.f. 13-1-2012).
2. Subs. by Act 10 of 2022, s. 2, for “a Corporation” (w.e.f. 22-5-2022).
2. Subs. by Act 10 of 2022, s. 2, for “a Corporation” (w.e.f. 22-5-2022).
Section 312 Owner’s obligation when dealing with land as building sites.
If the owner of any land utilises, sells, leases out or otherwise disposes of such land for the construction of buildings thereon he shall lay down and make a street or streets giving access to the plots into which the land may be divided and connecting with an existing public or private street.