Delhi’s Chandni Chowk Seals 54 Jewellery Shops Over Unauthorised Basement Use

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) sealed 54 jewellery and bullion-related shops in Chandni Chowk on Thursday. Officials carried out the action in Kucha Mahajani around 11:30 am, according to traders. The shops allegedly used their basements for unauthorised commercial activities. Yogesh Singhal, president of the All India Bullion and Jewellers Association, confirmed the sealing drive. Traders said the civic body targeted several establishments across multiple buildings during the operation. They claimed officials carried out the action simultaneously at different locations. The move affected a major jewellery and bullion trading hub in the capital. Shopkeepers said the sudden action created confusion among traders and customers. They also raised concerns about valuable goods remaining inside the sealed premises. The MCD has intensified action against unauthorised structures across Delhi in recent days. Authorities have focused on buildings and commercial spaces that allegedly violate permitted usage norms.

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MCD Action in Chandni Chowk: 54 Jewellery and Bullion Shops Sealed

Traders alleged that the MCD and police conducted the sealing operation without providing adequate prior notice. They claimed several shopkeepers discovered the action only after reaching their establishments. According to traders, officials had pasted notices on shops across different buildings before starting the operation. They said authorities sealed the premises together during the Thursday morning drive. Traders questioned the manner in which the civic body implemented the action. They also claimed that officials failed to give shopkeepers sufficient time to respond or comply. The action has triggered concern among jewellery and bullion dealers operating in Kucha Mahajani. Traders said many establishments hold high-value gold, silver jewellery and bullion. They warned that sealing the shops could create serious financial difficulties for business owners. The traders have now sought clarity from authorities regarding the procedure followed during the sealing operation.

The sealing drive followed heightened scrutiny of unauthorised structures in Delhi after the Satya Niketan building collapse. The incident claimed seven lives and prompted authorities to intensify enforcement against unsafe and unauthorised constructions. The All India Bullion and Jewellers Association questioned the extent of accountability following the tragedy. The association asked whether authorities would act against government departments and politicians linked to regulatory failures. Traders argued that authorities should examine all responsible parties instead of targeting businesses alone. They said officials must ensure proper enforcement of building and land-use regulations across Delhi. The association also criticised the alleged lack of adequate notice before the sealing action. Traders maintained that authorities should provide businesses with a fair opportunity to address alleged violations. They also demanded transparency in the enforcement process. The controversy has now placed the Chandni Chowk sealing drive under greater scrutiny from the trading community.

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Crores Worth of Gold and Silver Locked Inside, Traders Question Notice Process

Traders further claimed that authorities pasted backdated notices on several affected shops. The association shared one notice carrying the date May 12, 2026. The notice directed the concerned party to stop the alleged misuse of the basement. It also instructed the party to restore the premises according to the permitted use under Master Plan-2021. According to the notice, the concerned party had 48 hours to comply with the directions. It warned that authorities could seal the premises if commercial activities continued in the basement. Traders questioned why officials allegedly issued older-dated notices before carrying out the sealing operation. They said the authorities should explain the notice process and provide clear information to affected shopkeepers. The claims have added another point of dispute between the civic body and traders. The MCD has not yet issued an immediate response to these allegations.

Traders also raised concerns about valuable jewellery and bullion remaining locked inside the sealed shops. They claimed that several establishments contain gold and silver jewellery worth crores of rupees. Shopkeepers said the sealing action prevented them from accessing their merchandise and business records. They urged authorities to consider the value of the goods before deciding further action. Traders also expressed concern about the financial impact of keeping their businesses inaccessible. They requested officials to address the issue and provide a lawful mechanism for retrieving or securing the valuables. The association said the situation requires careful consideration because the premises contain high-value assets. The traders maintained that they support lawful action but want authorities to follow due procedure. They also demanded clarity about the next steps in the matter. As of now, the MCD has not immediately responded to the traders’ allegations or concerns.

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