Delhi: No uniform cap on number of guests in wedding parties, functions

NEW DELHI : The draft policy that restricts the number of guests and puts in place rules for wedding parties and other social functions, has been put on the Delhi government website for public feedback before March 18.
The policy notification is likely to bar guesthouses and banquet halls which do not fulfil the requirements, from holding social functions.

The draft says wedding organisers will need to obtain approval from urban local bodies seven days in advance.Approval will be given only if the organisers indicate the number of guests expected and give an undertaking that they will fulfil all norms.
The plans have been in the works after the Supreme Court took note of massive wastage of food and excessive use of water at lavish wedding parties and other functions, and said it was “unacceptable” in a city witnessing water crisis and alleged starvation deaths.
In terms of traffic jams due to weddings, among the most affected areas in the city are Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road, GT Karnal Road, Old Rohtak Road and Najafgarh Road.
In a big relief for Delhiites, the policy has not placed a uniform cap on the number of guests to be invited at social functions. In December last year, chief secretary Vijay Kumar Dev had informed the court that the government will frame a policy to put a limit on the number of guests and availability of food to prevent wastage and avoid traffic congestion.
The draft policy has been prepared by a committee formed by the chief secretary.
“It has been drafted keeping in mind concerns of the Environment Pollution Prevention and Control Authority. The policy was also shared and discussed with the SC-appointed monitoring committee. The policy is focused on minimising inconvenience to the public, ensuring smooth traffic through areas where social functions are organised, checking wastage of food and water and ensuring fire safety,” said an official.
The policy will be enforced in all areas falling under the urban local bodies of the city.
“The wedding/function organiser should also be registered with some NGO to manage surplus/leftover food, for distribution among underprivileged sections,” said an official. The government has planned heavy penalty for violations of the norms.
Owners of authorised spaces or halls for functions will have to register themselves on a common web portal dedicated for booking of these places. These venues will be visible to potential customers on the booking portal. Caterers will also have to register themselves on the portal.
Government officials will make random visits to enforce the policy. In case of any violation, action will be taken against the operator of the venue. “Penalties for holding social functions in places that are not authorised would be Rs 15 lakh. Such premises will be sealed immediately,” the policy states.