Delhi HC Seeks Govt, MCD Responses in Plea Seeking Probe into Karol Bagh Fire
On July 4, a fire broke out on the second floor of the Vishal Mega Mart outlet located in Karol Bagh, claiming the lives of two men;
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, issued notice in a plea seeking a court-monitored probe into the July 4 fire at Vishal Mega Mart in Karol Bagh, which left two people dead.
A division bench of Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela asked the Delhi government, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi Fire Services, and Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to respond to the plea.
Filed by NGO Kutumb through Advocate Rudra Vikram Singh, the plea alleges negligence on the part of Vishal Mega Mart’s management, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi Police, and the fire services.
While highlighting serious lapses in fire safety enforcement, the plea questions how licences and no-objection certificates (NOCs) are being granted to commercial setups in congested areas without proper checks.
In view of this, the plea has, therefore, sought a court-monitored investigation into the incident. It has also asked for a probe into the conduct of officials from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the fire department, and Delhi Police.
Further, the PIL seeks verification of NOCs held by Vishal Mega Mart and neighbouring establishments, and calls for immediate identification of illegal commercial units operating in the area.
It has also prayed for the closure of unlicensed shopping complexes, restaurants, coaching centres, and similar businesses functioning in Karol Bagh and nearby areas.
On July 4, a fire broke out on the second floor of the Vishal Mega Mart outlet in Karol Bagh, claiming the lives of two men.