India, April 11 -- The Delhi High Court on Friday permitted restaurants in Khan Market to operate without a no-objection certificate (NOCs) from the fire department, provided they accommodate fewer than 50 guests at any given time, describing the market as Delhi's "shaan" and a heritage commercial hub.

A bench of justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav said that while several restaurants are located in the first and second floors of the market, structural constraints have meant there is only one feasible entry and exit point for the two floors-a feature that has existed since the market's inception.

"The shops in question are situated in one of the Delhi's most prestigious and historically significant commercial areas. It is also a heritage m...