New Delhi, Sept. 14 -- The locks came down before many traders could collect what was inside.

At Kucha Mahajani, one of Delhi's largest jewellery markets in Chandni Chowk, 54 jewellery shops operating from basements across four buildings were sealed by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi on Thursday over alleged unauthorised commercial use.

Large locks now hang from the shutters, with gold and silver jewellery, customer orders, cheque books and other belongings reportedly remaining inside. For traders and workers, the enforcement action has left a more immediate question what happens next?

Yogesh Singhal, president of the All India Bullion and Jewellers Association, said notices were posted on the shops and the sealing took place at around 11.30 a.m. on Thursday.

Several traders said they were concerned that they had not been given sufficient time to remove their goods before the premises were sealed. Some also expressed apprehension about speaking to the media, fearing further action.

The MCD, however, said the action followed directions of the Supreme Court-appointed Monitoring Committee. According to the civic body, the premises were being used for commercial activities in violation of the Unified Building Bye-Laws, 2016, and the Master Plan of Delhi, 2021, besides lacking mandatory Fire Department and other statutory clearances.

The sealing order followed a show-cause notice issued in 2019 and subsequent hearings in 2025. Traders were later directed to pay a penalty equivalent to 12 times the annual conversion charges, which, according to the MCD, was not paid. A sealing order was subsequently issued on February 17, 2026.

Yet, behind the legal proceedings are families and workers dependent on the market. One worker, employed at a jewellery shop for over four years, said he was worried about how he would support his family after the shop was shut.

For traders, the question is no longer only about the legality of the premises, but about how livelihoods can be protected while enforcement and public safety measures are carried out.

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