New Delhi

The MCD is planning a digital mechanism for issuing and collecting penalties for civic violations under the Jan Vishwas Act, 2026, officials said on Wednesday.

The proposed mechanism may also modify the 'MCD 311' app along with a dedicated backend portal through which field officers can issue spot penalties after inspections and upload evidence digitally, they said.

"A discussion was held on Tuesday on how we can implement it. We are thinking about a digital workflow rather than a manual system, digital issuance of notices, digital collection of money and digital service of notices," a senior MCD official told PTI.

Under the new system, field-level officers would be authorised to conduct spot inspections and impose civil penalties for violations under the Delhi Municipal Corporation (DMC) Act, 1957.

"If somebody does not pay, then they will have to appear before the adjudicating officer. There is also a provision to recover the amount as arrears of tax," the official said, adding that in certain cases, properties may also be attached for recovery.

The digital push comes after the implementation of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, which decriminalises several minor municipal offences and replaces criminal prosecution with monetary penalties.

In an office order issued recently, the MCD authorised officers across departments, including veterinary services, health, licensing, DEMS, engineering, advertisement and factory licensing, to function as adjudicating authorities for imposing civil penalties.

Deputy commissioners and senior departmental officials have been appointed as appellate authorities to hear appeals against such orders.

Officials said one of the major reasons for weak enforcement earlier was the lack of adequate staff and resources, coupled with very low penalties for violations.

For instance, the fine for walking dogs in public places without a leash earlier stood at just Rs 50.

"Because the amount was so minimal, nobody was bothered. Also, who is there to inspect whether someone is walking a dog with or without a leash?" an official said.

The fully manual process also made enforcement on the ground difficult, he added.

"Since everything was manual, it was not feasible to penalise each and every person. But if it becomes fully digitised, then follow-up and enforcement become easier," the official added.

READ MORE: Hajj 2026: Faith moves 1.7 million Muslims through Islam's holiest pilgrimage

Under the amended framework, adjudicating officers will have powers to summon individuals, examine evidence and impose penalties. Appeals against orders can be filed within 30 days, while appellate authorities are required to dispose of cases within 60 days.

The officials said the new mechanism was notified on May 15, and the civic body is currently working on operational clarity and digital infrastructure for implementation.