Delhi LG approves executive magistrate powers for revenue officers
New Delhi, June 28
Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu has approved the conferment of Executive Magistrate powers on key revenue and administrative officers following the recent reorganisation of revenue districts in the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
According to an official release, Deputy Commissioners/District Magistrates (DMs), Additional District Magistrates (ADMs), Revenue Assistants, Tehsildars and Consolidation Officers will be vested with Executive Magistrate powers within their respective restructured jurisdictions. The move comes in the backdrop of administrative restructuring aimed at improving governance efficiency and strengthening law and order mechanisms at the district level.
The decision has been taken under Section 14 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, which has replaced the erstwhile Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). Section 14 empowers the "State Government" to appoint Executive Magistrates, designate DMs and ADMs, and assign Magistrates in charge of subdivisions.
The notification further notes that, as per the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India's notification dated June 28, 2024, the powers and functions of the "State Government" under the BNSS, except Section 523, stand delegated to the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi in relation to the National Capital Territory.
"Following the Revenue Department's district reorganisation notification dated December 25, 2025, the formal conferment of these magisterial powers became imperative to ensure seamless administrative governance, maintenance of law and order, and public service delivery across the newly structured districts," the official release said.
The proposal had earlier been approved by the Home Minister and the Chief Minister of GNCTD before being recommended to the Lieutenant Governor. With the formal assent now granted by the LG, the government is expected to issue an official notification under Section 14 of the BNSS, 2023, formalising the assignment of Executive Magistrate powers to the concerned officers across Delhi's reorganised districts, it said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Bahut sahi hai! But I hope these powers aren't misused. Executive Magistrate powers can be double-edged swords - good for quick action but also open to potential overreach. The government should have proper oversight mechanisms. Still, a necessary move for governance in Delhi's new districts. Kaam toh karna hi padega.
Interesting how the MHA delegated powers to LG for BNSS implementation. This keeps the LG's role strong in Delhi's governance structure. Revenue department reorganisation needed this follow-up. Ab zyada paperwork nahi hoga, I assume. Good for common people who were suffering due to jurisdictional confusion earlier.
I'm cautiously optimistic. On paper, it's great - DMs and Tehsildars getting magisterial powers under the new BNSS. But implementation is key. In our country, such administrative reforms often look good in notifications but fail on ground due to lack of training and accountability. Hope the Delhi government ensures proper monitoring.
As someone working in Delhi's administration, this is a welcome move. The December 2025 district reorganisation created some confusion about who has what authority. Now with clear powers assigned under BNSS Section 14, field officers can act without waiting for higher approvals. This should improve emergency response and land dispute handling.
Politically, this is interesting - CM and Home Minister approved it before LG gave final nod. Shows the complex power dynamics in Delhi. But for aam aadmi, what matters is whether their local Tehsildar can now solve problems faster. I just hope these officers use their powers responsibly and don
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