Khan Market eateries get relief, now balance crowds and compliance

The restaurants in Khan Market have received a major boost after the Delhi High Court allowed them to operate without a fire no-objection certificate, provided occupancy is kept below 50 people at any given time.

The court, while hearing pleas from several eateries, said businesses should not be denied operations solely due to the absence of a fire NOC. Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav also recorded an undertaking from restaurant owners that they would follow alternative safety measures as directed by civic authorities.

Court relief offers breathing room to restaurants

Calling Khan Market the “shaan of Delhi”, the court recognised the structural limitations of the area, where buildings have narrow staircases, single entry and exit points, and limited scope for major redesign. Restaurant owners welcomed the move, calling it a practical and business-friendly decision. Many said they have already installed fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems and ensured rooftop access as emergency exits within existing space constraints.

Managing crowds in tight spaces remains a challenge

According to The Hindustan Times, despite the relief, managing crowds in the tightly packed market remains a key concern. The narrow lanes and steep stairwells often lead to congestion, especially during peak hours. Eateries have now started monitoring footfall more closely. Staff are keeping track of customer numbers through manual logs or digital systems to ensure the 50-person cap is not exceeded.

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Kabir Suri of Mamagoto said the order acknowledges long-standing challenges faced by businesses in heritage markets. However, workers on the ground pointed out practical difficulties. Staff at restaurants like Yum Yum Cha said enforcing limits can be tricky as customers often arrive in groups at different times. Turning people away midway can lead to operational issues. Vendors and workers also flagged safety concerns, noting that heavy footfall during weekends and winters often leads to long queues spilling onto already crowded walkways. Narrow entry points and limited space can quickly become bottlenecks.

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The Khan Market Traders’ Association said implementation will be key, especially during busy periods. Similar demands have now been raised for other heritage hubs like Connaught Place, where traders say structural challenges are comparable. For now, while the court’s order has brought relief, restaurants in Khan Market continue to walk a fine line between easing business pressure and ensuring safety in one of Delhi’s busiest retail hubs.