The Delhi High Court has admitted a plea filed by Talkatora Investments & Trading Company Pvt. Ltd. against M/s Sandoz Restaurants Pvt. Ltd., alleging that the restaurant is being operated in a busy by-lane of Lajpat Nagar, Delhi, without mandatory statutory approvals, posing a serious threat to public safety and adjoining properties.

The petitioner has alleged multiple violations, including the absence of a valid Fire Safety Certificate, unauthorised operation of a boutique hotel and party venue on the first floor, illicit service of liquor without a proper Excise Licence, and non-compliance with the Unified Building Bye-Laws for Delhi, 2016. It has also been contended that the activities carried out by Sandoz are in breach of the terms of the lease agreement executed between the parties.

According to the plea, while the lease permitted use of the premises strictly for running a restaurant on the ground floor, Sandoz is allegedly operating a lodging and event facility on the first floor under the brand “The Bungalow by Sandoz”, without requisite municipal, fire safety and excise clearances. The petitioner has warned that such unauthorised use creates grave fire hazards and exposes the building owner to potential criminal and statutory liability.

A single-judge bench of Justice Vikas Mahajan directed Sandoz to file its response to the allegations. The matter has been listed for further consideration on February 2, 2026.