Delhi Government’s Big Reform: ‘Booked Properties’ to Receive Electricity Connections in the capital Chief Minister Rekha Gupta grants approval; lakhs of consumers to get relief Restriction on providing electricity connections in ‘booked properties’ removed; power theft will also reduce: CM Rekha Gupta New Delhi, 17 November 2025 Providing major relief to Delhi citizens who were deprived of electricity connections, Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta has taken an important decision to lift the restriction on providing electricity connections in ‘booked properties’. Following the Chief Minister’s approval, the government has issued the official order. This decision will immediately benefit more than 1.25 lakh families in the capital. The Chief Minister stated that this decision has been taken in public interest. The Delhi Government is committed to ensuring citizens’ fundamental rights and access to essential services under all circumstances. As per the Chief Minister’s directions, the Special Secretary of the Power Department has issued the necessary order. The Chief Minister said that the power department had been receiving continuous public complaints stating that DISCOMs (power companies) either denied or disconnected electricity connections on the grounds that the concerned properties had been ‘booked’ by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi for unauthorised construction. In several such cases, it was found that even years after demolition orders were issued by MCD, no action was taken due to various reasons. The Chief Minister said that now even those properties booked by the Municipal Corporation for unauthorised construction will be eligible to receive electricity connections. She said that lakhs of people have been living in these properties for years, but were deprived of electricity connections only because of the ‘booked property’ status—causing inconvenience and, in many areas, leading to increased electricity theft. She emphasised that depriving consumers of basic facilities is not justified under any circumstances. This order is a significant step towards safeguarding citizens’ fundamental rights and bringing more transparency to the system. According to the Chief Minister, under the new order DISCOMs can no longer deny electricity connections merely on the ground that a property has been booked by the Municipal Corporation for unauthorised construction. A connection can be denied only when the Municipal Corporation formally notifies that a property is under demolition or sealing action. The Chief Minister also informed that instructions have been issued to strengthen coordination between DISCOMs and the Municipal Corporation so that there is no discrepancy in the future. She said this step will not only provide relief to citizens but will also help curb electricity theft and unauthorised electricity use. She added that lakhs of people had been affected due to long-pending cases and administrative delays, while the reality is that most of these properties remain inhabited and people have been suffering in the absence of electricity. The Chief Minister informed that this decision will help more than 1.25 lakh families obtain electricity connections, who have been waiting for a valid utility connection in their premises for years. DISCOMs will also set up help-lines for citizens who were previously unable to obtain regular electricity connections. Chief Minister further said that the Delhi Government prioritises transparent governance and citizens’ right to essential services. Therefore, after reviewing the matter in consultation with the Law Department, it was necessary to ensure that citizens receive legal, safe, and regular electricity supply. She reaffirmed that this decision has been taken in public interest. The Delhi Government remains committed to safeguarding citizens’ fundamental rights and ensuring the availability of essential services under all circumstances.