The Delhi High Court has directed the city government to implement the Education Department’s circular on installation of fire safety systems in all schools in the Capital.
A Bench of Chief Justice D.N. Patel and Justice C. Hari Shankar also ordered the Delhi government’s Education Department to take action against schools not adhering to its circular of March 2011.
With the direction, the High Court disposed of a plea by Delhi resident Parminder Singh, who had claimed that according to information received under Right To Information, some private schools of the city lacked fire safety systems and clearances. The Bench also disposed of another plea moved by Mr. Singh that claimed some banquet halls were not adhering to the Delhi Fire Service Act and rules.
The High Court directed the city government to take action against all such establishments which were not adhering to the law. The court made it clear that before taking any action against the halls, a proper hearing has to be given to the owners. Earlier the HC had asked the local civic bodies and the Delhi government to give a list of all such halls running without licences and fire safety measures. The HC was then hearing a similar petition filed by advocate Arpit Bhargava seeking immediate action against hotels or guesthouses flouting fire safety and other norms.
