The Supreme Court on Thursday sharply criticised civic authorities over recurring fire incidents and illegal constructions in Delhi-NCR and other cities, questioning whether any meaningful action had been taken despite repeated tragedies. The court also warned that contempt proceedings could follow if officials failed to act on the ground.
Hearing a matter related to illegal constructions, a bench of Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice Sheel Nagu expressed concern over what it described as a pattern of inaction by authorities.
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Court questions action after recent tragedies
The bench referred to several recent incidents, including the June 3 fire at a hotel in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar that claimed 21 lives, the fire at a commercial complex in Lucknow and the Saket building collapse, per a report by NDTV.
“We hoped that the officials would take action, but nothing happened,” the court observed while asking what steps had been taken against civic officials following the Malviya Nagar tragedy.
The judges also criticised what they described as cosmetic action after such incidents.
“Only builders, etc. are being apprehended and not the officials who are in charge of areas where rampant violations have happened.”
The court said it was “bothered by the civic body’s conduct” while referring to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi’s response after the Malviya Nagar fire.
Expert panels to inspect affected areas
To assess the situation on the ground, the Supreme Court ordered surveys in Delhi’s Lajpat Nagar, Saket and Sarojini Nagar.
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“We also direct that a team shall be constituted comprising two senior professors of IIT Delhi from the civil department, along with two draftsmen from IIT, who shall be accompanied by MCD authorities and the amicus curiae for the inspection of Saket, Lajpat Nagar and Sarojini Nagar for now,” the court was quoted as saying by NDTV.
The committee will submit its findings to the court. A similar survey was also ordered for the Aliganj area of Lucknow, where a fire at a commercial complex killed 15 people on June 22.
Civic chiefs asked to appear before court
The court also took note of media reports claiming that 93% of buildings in Gurugram had failed fire safety audits.
Referring to its earlier order issued on May 20 regarding safety norms, the bench expressed concern that fresh incidents had occurred despite clear directions.
It has now directed the heads of civic bodies in Delhi, Gurugram and Lucknow to appear personally before the court and explain the steps taken to address illegal constructions, fire safety violations and enforcement failures.
FAQs:
Why did the Supreme Court criticise civic bodies?
The court said authorities had failed to act against illegal constructions and fire safety violations despite repeated incidents.
What directions did the Supreme Court issue?
It ordered expert surveys in parts of Delhi and Lucknow and directed civic chiefs from Delhi, Gurugram and Lucknow to appear before the court.