New Delh, Nov. 9 -- The Delhi government has introduced an automatic appeal mechanism and monetary penalties for officials failing to deliver public services within prescribed deadlines, seeking to end prolonged delays and repeated visits to government offices. Under the new law, applications pending beyond the stipulated timeline will automatically be treated as appeals, while negligent officials could face a penalty of Rs 250 per day, capped at Rs 5,000.

The Rekha Gupta-led government has notified the Delhi (Right of Citizens to Time-Bound and Easy Delivery of Services) Act, 2026, replacing the existing time-bound service delivery law of 2011.

The legislation seeks to establish a system in which citizens can track applications online, receive services within fixed timelines and hold designated officials accountable for delays.

Under the new framework, every application will be assigned a unique number for online tracking. Designated officers will be responsible for delivering services within the notified deadline or communicating reasons for rejection in writing.

A key provision is the automatic escalation of delayed applications to the Citizen Grievance Redressal Authority, eliminating the need for applicants to file a separate first appeal. Appeals will ordinarily have to be resolved within 30 days. Unresolved cases will subsequently be escalated to the Delhi Service Rights Commission, which will also monitor implementation and recommend departmental action.

Officials rejecting applications without sufficient grounds may also face a one-time penalty ranging from Rs 250 to Rs 5,000. However, officers will be given an opportunity to explain their position before any penalty is imposed.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the legislation was inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Nagrik Devo Bhava" and the mantra of "Minimum Government, Maximum Governance".

"Timely delivery of services is a citizen's right and the administration's responsibility," she said, adding that the objective was to ensure citizens received their legitimate services with dignity, transparency and within a prescribed timeframe.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.