Delhi Mukherjee Nagar fire: HC takes suo moto cognizance, says fire safety audit required

The Mukherjee Nagar fire incident was brought before the Delhi High Court suo moto on Friday after the court took notice of a newspaper report and some WhatsApp messages that were going around on social media.

Justices Vikas Mahajan and Jasmeet Singh took suo moto cognizance on behalf of the vacation bench. It gave notice to the MCD, Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, and the Delhi Government and requested a response within two weeks.

According to a newspaper report, 500 students enrolled in the coaching centre at the coaching Centre in a four-story building at a DDA Commercial Centre in Mukherjee Nagar had a precarious escape on Thursday when there was an electrical short. The bench took note of this information.

“For the said reasons issue notice to GNCTD Delhi, Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police and the MCD,” the bench told. “Delhi fire service is required to do a fire safety audit in such building to ensure that there are adequate fire safety measures as hundreds of students visit these institutes for specialised coaching,” Justice Singh directed over Mukherjee Nagar fire.

Fire safety certificate an absolute necessity after Mukherjee Nagar fire incident says Government standing counsel

Santosh Tripathi, the government’s permanent counsel, appeared on behalf of the government and asked the judge to state in the order whether or not all institutes where a number of students are enrolled have a fire safety certificate. Given this Incident, this is absolutely necessary.

The Delhi Fire Services were then ordered to conduct a safety audit, and the fire service authority was instructed to determine whether or not these institutions had fire safety certificates.

Santosh Tripathi accepted notices issued by the high court. The court asked the concerned to file a response within two weeks and listed the matter before the bench of the Chief Justice on 3 July.

“List this matter before a bench comprising the hon’ble chief justice for the appropriate order or direction on July 3,” the bench told.