Major Relief for Delhi Residents as Power Restrictions Lifted
In a significant move that promises to impact thousands of households across the national capital, the Delhi government has officially removed restrictions on electricity connections for properties previously booked by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) due to unauthorized construction. The decision, announced on November 18, 2025, comes as a major relief to residents who have been struggling with power supply issues despite having legal occupancy.
Chief Minister's Directive Brings Immediate Relief
The landmark decision was finalized during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, following which an official order was issued to all concerned departments. CM Gupta emphasized that this policy change will provide immediate benefit to more than 1.25 lakh families across Delhi who have been facing electricity connection problems due to their properties being marked by the MCD.
Even those properties formally booked by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi over unauthorized construction will now be eligible to receive electricity connections, Gupta stated during the announcement. She firmly declared that depriving consumers of basic facilities cannot be justified under any circumstances, marking a significant shift in the government's approach to urban utility management.
Addressing Longstanding Public Grievances
The decision comes after the Power department received numerous complaints from residents reporting that DISCOMs (distribution companies) were either denying new connections or disconnecting existing electricity supplies solely because their properties had been booked by the MCD over construction violations. Officials revealed that in many such cases, demolition orders issued by the MCD remained unimplemented for years due to various procedural and practical reasons.
Under the new directive, DISCOMs can no longer refuse electricity connections merely on the grounds that a property has been booked by the MCD for unauthorized construction. The Chief Minister clarified that a connection can only be denied when the MCD formally notifies that a property is actually undergoing demolition or sealing actions.
Strengthening Coordination and Curbing Power Theft
The government has also issued instructions to strengthen coordination between DISCOMs and the civic body to eliminate discrepancies in the implementation process. Gupta highlighted that this move would not only protect citizens' rights but also help in curbing electricity theft and unauthorized power usage, creating a more transparent and efficient system.
Delhi government prioritises transparent governance and citizens' right to essential services, the Chief Minister asserted. After comprehensive review and consultation with the Law department, we found it necessary to ensure that citizens receive legal, safe, and regular electricity supply, she added, describing the order as a significant step toward safeguarding citizens' fundamental rights while bringing more transparency to the system.
The policy change represents a balanced approach that acknowledges the realities of urban living while maintaining the framework for legal construction practices, potentially setting a precedent for other cities facing similar challenges with unauthorized constructions and essential service provision.
