The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought responses from the government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on a plea demanding a court-monitored investigation into the July 4 fire in Karol Bagh that claimed two lives.
The court also issued notices to the Delhi Fire Services and Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on the petition, which was filed by the NGO ‘Kutumb’.
Two men were killed after a fire broke out at Vishal Mega Mart in central Delhi’s Karol Bagh area. The court has directed the authorities to file their responses within four weeks. The matter will be heard next on September 24.
The plea, filed through advocate Rudra Vikram Singh, alleges negligence on the part of Vishal Mega Mart’s management, Delhi Police, the fire department, and the MCD, which it claims led to the incident.
It flagged serious lapses in the enforcement of fire safety norms and questions how licences and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) were granted to commercial establishments operating in densely populated areas without meeting mandatory safety standards.
The petition also seeks an investigation into the role of the MCD, fire services, and police officials for failing to ensure compliance with fire safety protocols.
It also calls for an assessment of whether Vishal Mega Mart and nearby commercial establishments possessed valid NOCs and to identify those operating illegally.
The plea seeks immediate closure of unlicensed shopping centres, restaurants, coaching institutes, and other such entities in Karol Bagh and surrounding areas until a status report is submitted.
Published – July 17, 2025 01:47 am IST
