Delhi High Court Allows Maa Bhagwati Jagran Near Anand Vihar Bus Depot with Safety Conditions.

Headnote:

The Delhi High Court permitted the petitioner to organize a “Maa Bhagwati Jagran” event near the Foot Over Bridge, In-Gate, Bus Depot, Delhi, on 1 November 2025, after confirming that requisite approvals had been obtained from the Delhi Fire Service and the Delhi Traffic Police. The Court held that the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) could not arbitrarily withhold permission when other concerned authorities had granted clearances and the event had been conducted at the same venue in previous years. However, the permission was made subject to compliance with safety, sanitation, and crowd control measures.

Background:

• The petitioner, Amit @ Bhima, sought directions for permission to organize a Maa Bhagwati Jagran near the Foot Over Bridge, In-Gate, Bus Depot, Delhi on 1 November 2025.

• The event had been held annually at the same location for several years. A representation dated 8 October 2025 had been submitted to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) for permission, but no response was received.

• The petitioner had obtained No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the Delhi Fire Service (dated 24 October 2025) and the Delhi Traffic Police (dated 14 October 2025).

• The petitioner relied on the earlier decision of the Court dated 11 November 2022, in Mahila Hawkers Welfare Association v. Commissioner of Police & Ors., where permission for a similar Jagran at the same venue was granted.

• The MCD opposed the plea, citing heavy public movement in the area due to nearby Anand Vihar ISBT, Anand Vihar Metro Station, Rapid Metro Station, and Kaushambi Bus Depot, and argued that such gatherings could pose safety risks.

Court’s Observations:

• The Court noted that necessary approvals had already been granted by both the Fire Department and the Traffic Police, which indicated that public safety measures were addressed.

• Referring to the earlier 2022 judgment, Justice Mini Pushkarna observed that the Jagran had been previously allowed at the same site with cooperation among agencies.

• The Court found no justifiable reason for MCD to withhold permission when appropriate safety and regulatory clearances had been obtained.

• However, it emphasized that such religious gatherings must adhere to sanitation, safety, and traffic guidelines to ensure smooth conduct.

Directions Issued:

(i) The petitioner is allowed to conduct the Maa Bhagwati Jagran near the Foot Over Bridge, In-Gate, Bus Depot, Delhi, on 1 November 2025, from 9:00 PM to 4:00 AM.

(ii) The petitioner shall comply with all conditions imposed by the Delhi Traffic Police and Delhi Fire Service.

(iii) The petitioner must ensure proper sanitation and cleanliness during and after the event.

(iv) All temporary structures must be removed and the site restored to its original condition post-event.

Legal Provisions Discussed:

• Article 226, Constitution of India – Power of High Courts to issue writs.

• Municipal Corporation of Delhi Act, 1957 – Regulation of public and religious gatherings within municipal limits.

• Delhi Police Act, 1978 – Maintenance of public order and safety during public functions.

Outcome:

The writ petition was disposed of with directions permitting the event subject to compliance with safety and civic norms. The Court balanced the right to religious expression with concerns of public safety and sanitation, reiterating that cooperation among authorities is essential for managing public gatherings.

Citation: 2025:DHC:16592

Case: Amit @ Bhima v. Municipal Corporation of Delhi & Anr.

Court: High Court of Delhi at New Delhi

Coram: Hon’ble Ms. Justice Mini Pushkarna

Date of Decision: 31 October 2025

Writ Petition (Civil) No.: 16592 of 2025 with CM Appl. 67992 of 2025