The petitioners highlighted before the Delhi High Court that the Capital saw a 37% increase in fire incidents in 2024 compared to previous years.
Following a fire at Vishal Mega Mart in Karol Bagh earlier this month that killed two people, including a UPSC aspirant, the Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought the response of the Delhi Government and police authorities in two public interest litigations seeking the inspection of all commercial set-ups and coaching institutes for fire NOCs.
The two PILs were filed by Anand Legal Aid Forum Trust and public trust Kutumb. Anand Legal Aid Forum sought the court’s direction to constitute a body headed by a retired judge of the Delhi High Court who will look after and supervise the Joint Task Force to examine and inspect all commercial set-ups, including Vishal Mega Mart shopping centres as well as coaching institutes situated in Karol Bagh, Rajinder Nagar and other parts of Delhi, which have been running without no-objection certificates (NOC) from the Fire Department or other necessary licences.
