The Delhi High Court has directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and Delhi Development Authority to take action against the violation of sealing orders, attributed to fire safety violations, at coaching centres operating in Delhi.
The Bench took note of the violations of the sealing directions issued by the Court earlier after certain buildings where coaching centres were being run were found to be in violation of sealing directives. Consequently, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and Delhi Development Authority (DDA) were directed to seal these premises.
A Division Bench of Justice Yashwant Varma and Justice Ravinder Dudeja observed, “In light of the evident violation of the directions which had been issued by us, we hereby direct the Municipal Corporation of Delhi/Delhi Development Authority to take action forthwith and ensure that these premises are sealed…Insofar as the aspect of Fire No Objection Certificate and the characterization of buildings where coaching centres are being run is concerned, we take note of the broad classification of buildings…of the Unified Building Bye-Laws for Delhi, 2016.”
Advocate Sameer Mendiratta represented the petitioner, while Sr. Advocates Sudhir Nandrajog and J.P. Sengh appeared for the respondents. The Court delved into the classification of buildings and stated the importance of adhering to safety norms, especially concerning educational buildings. It highlighted the need to prioritise safety and security in buildings used for educational purposes.
“The aspects of safety and security of persons who frequent such buildings would have to be accorded primacy,” the Court added. In light of Rule 27 of the Delhi Fire Service Rules, 2010, (DFS Rules) the Court directed a fresh survey of buildings falling within the identified categories. Non-compliant buildings were to be identified, along with details of occupants and owners within four weeks.
“In the interim, we reiterate our directions to the MCD/DDA/DFS to ensure that any electrical apparatus that still continues to exist inside premises which are being used for educational purposes, be it in hallways, staircases or any other position which may be considered injurious to public safety, are relocated with due expedition. The relevant DISCOMS shall provide due assistance to the joint inspection team in this regard,” the Court directed.
