The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued notices to the Delhi Fire Service and other authorities in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a court-monitored investigation into the tragic fire at Vishal Mega Mart in Karol Bagh, which claimed two lives earlier this month.
A division bench led by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay asked the respondents to file a status report within two weeks. The matter is next listed for hearing in September 2025.
NGO Seeks Accountability For Lapses
The PIL was filed by NGO Kutumb, which was represented by Advocate Rudra Vikram Singh. The petition urges the court to examine the regulatory failures that allegedly led to the fire, particularly citing negligence by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Fire Services, and the Delhi Police.
The petitioner alleged that commercial entities operating in densely populated urban areas like Karol Bagh continue to flout fire safety norms, yet still obtain licenses and No Objection Certificates (NOCs).
Call For Probe & Closure Of Unsafe Establishments
The PIL has specifically demanded a court-monitored probe into the issuance of licenses and NOCs to Vishal Mega Mart and other surrounding commercial units. It seeks to examine whether due process and safety standards were followed before granting permission for operations.
Furthermore, the petition calls for the temporary shutdown of unlicensed establishments, including shopping complexes, eateries, and coaching institutes in Karol Bagh and neighboring localities, until a thorough investigation report is filed and reviewed.
Details Of Tragic Incident
The fire, which broke out on July 5, 2025, led to the death of 25-year-old Dhirender Pratap, who was found dead inside an elevator. He is suspected to have died from suffocation. His final messages to his brother revealed that he was trapped inside the lift and gasping for air.
A second body, burned beyond recognition, was recovered during the firefighting operations. The identities and circumstances surrounding both deaths are currently under investigation.
Preservation Of Evidence Sought
The plea has also requested directions to the Delhi Police to submit a status report on the FIR registered in connection with the fire. Additionally, it seeks a court order to preserve CCTV footage from July 4 to July 5, which may provide critical evidence about the cause and handling of the fire.
The High Court has asked all respondents to submit detailed responses and status reports within two weeks. It will revisit the matter in September, potentially setting the stage for a broader legal scrutiny into fire safety compliance and enforcement in commercial areas of Delhi.
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