Delhi Revolutionizes Business Licensing: Police Relieved of Regulatory Duties

The Delhi government has taken a groundbreaking step by revoking regulations for seven key commercial sectors, including hotels, swimming pools, and discotheques. This move was announced following an order by Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, effectively transferring regulatory authority from the police to local municipal bodies.

Previously, the Delhi Police were responsible for issuing licenses to these businesses, a practice in place since 1980. The new directive, issued under the Delhi Police Act, 1978, repeals these long-standing requirements, allowing local entities such as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and others to handle licensing.

This reform, celebrated by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, is seen as a 'historic day' for the city. It affords the police department more latitude to concentrate on pressing duties like crime prevention, women's safety, and public security. Establishments will, therefore, require no police-issued No Objection Certificate (NOC) henceforth, simplifying operations significantly.

(With inputs from agencies.)