NEW DELHI: There is some good news for Delhiites who did not know where and how to comfortably conduct marriages or other social functions following closure of banquet halls in the city. On the recommendations of the Supreme Court-appointed Monitoring Committee and subsequent orders of the Court, nearly 100 banquet halls operating out of industrial areas have reopened.

The owner of a prominent banquet hall in West Delhi said on Monday that there was much relief and happiness among the owners as both the Monitoring Committee and the Court have taken due cognisance of the fact that banquet halls operating out of industrial areas do not pose any nuisance. "The biggest reason why banquet halls in industrial areas do not pose any problem to residents is that they are some distance away from residential colonies. Also, by the time big functions take place in the evening, most of the other industrial units have already closed down and as such ample space for parking of vehicles becomes available." Stating that these banquet halls provide a reasonable option to the citizens to conduct family functions, the owner said according to the per plate system a function of nearly 200 people can be organised for as little as Rs. 30,000 in air-conditioned comfort.

Moreover, say banquet hall owners, in the hot summer months the air-conditioner is no longer a luxury but a necessity for the people. "And thereafter during the rainy season, the banquet halls provide an opportunity to the citizen's safety and surety against rains which can simply ruin a party in the open."

Little wonder, then, as word began spreading that the banquet halls are opening again, people started rushing to them for a booking. "The marriage season is currently on and will run up to July. So already there has been a surge for bookings."

On the issue of banquet halls in paragraph 18 of its report the Monitoring Committee had stated that the Supreme Court "may kindly consider allowing them in industrial areas". Thereafter, in its order on May 11, the apex court had stated that "we accept the suggestions as contained in paragraphs 17, 18 and 19."

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