Delhi HC Urges Strict Enforcement of Fire Safety Norms at Azad Market

The Delhi High Court, emphasizing the importance of fire safety norms, has directed the city government authorities to conduct regular inspections at Azad Market to identify potential violators and refer them to the Fire Prevention Wing.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma has directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Delhi Fire Services to diligently enforce fire safety regulations.

The order came in response to a public interest litigation filed by the Azad Market Residents Welfare Association, seeking action against unauthorized and illegal constructions in the north Delhi market. The petitioner argued that certain buildings in the area were constructed in violation of applicable bylaws and fire safety regulations, resulting in fire incidents and loss of lives.

While acknowledging that the MCD had addressed the petitioner’s concerns by removing unauthorized constructions, the court expressed its commitment to ensuring that fire safety norms are upheld. The MCD and the Delhi Fire Services were directed to meticulously enforce the Fire Norms related to premises specified under Rule 27 of the Delhi Fire Rules.

The court further directed the MCD to regularly monitor the area to promptly identify and refer individuals who violate the Fire Norms to the Fire Prevention Wing under Rule 34 of the Delhi Fire Rules. In cases of isolated instances of unauthorized constructions, the petitioner was granted the liberty to approach the Centre’s Special Task Force, empowered to address complaints of unlawful construction and encroachments on public land or streets, and take appropriate legal action.

“We dispose of the present petition, with liberty to the Petitioner to approach the STF if the need so arises,” the bench stated.