Cabinet approves Bill to fine officials for delay in services
Delhi Cabinet approves a new Bill to fine officials for delay in citizen services.
- The Delhi Cabinet approved the Delhi (Right of Citizen to Time Bound and Ease of Delivery of Service) Bill, 2026.
- The Delhi government said the existing 2011 mechanism covers more than 500 services after adding 23 services earlier last month.
The Delhi Cabinet has approved the Delhi (Right of Citizen to Time Bound and Ease of Delivery of Service) Bill, 2026. The Bill is meant to replace the 2011 law on time-bound delivery of public services and strengthen accountability for delay by officials.
The proposed law introduces a daily penalty of ₹250 on officials who delay delivery of covered services without valid justification. The total penalty will be capped at ₹5,000. The penalty will apply only after the official is given a full chance to explain, which reflects the principle of natural justice.
UPSC may test the design of citizen charter-style service delivery laws, the role of natural justice in administrative penalty provisions, and the difference between compensation to citizens and penalties on officials. The issue also fits governance questions on accountability, grievance redress and administrative reform.
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