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Synopsis

The Delhi High Court on Monday directed the city government authorities to conduct regular checks at Azad Market to identify potential violators of fire safety norms.

A division bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela emphasized the need for scrupulous enforcement of fire safety regulations.

The order was passed in a Public Interest Litigation(PIL) plea filed by the Azad Market Residents Welfare Association, seeking action against unauthorized and illegal constructions in the North Delhi market.

The petitioner alleged that certain buildings in the area were constructed in violation of applicable bylaws and fire safety regulations, resulting in fire accidents and the loss of human lives.

While acknowledging that the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) had taken action to clear the area of unauthorized and illegal constructions, court expressed its inability to ignore potential violations of fire safety norms.

The bench ordered the MCD and the Delhi Fire Services to ensure strict and rigorous enforcement of the fire safety norms applicable to premises specified under Rule 27 of the Delhi Fire Rules.

Court specifically instructed the MCD to conduct regular monitoring of the area to promptly identify and refer those found violating fire safety norms to the Fire Prevention Wing under Rule 34 of the Delhi Fire Rules.

In cases of isolated instances of unauthorized and illegal construction, court suggested that the petitioner may approach the Centre's Special Task Force (STF), which is empowered to investigate complaints of unlawful construction, encroachment on public land or streets, and pedestrian street violations, taking appropriate actions in accordance with the law.

Court concluded the proceedings by disposing of the petition, granting the petitioner the liberty to approach the STF if the need arises in the future.

Case Title: Azad Market Residents Welfare Association (Regd) v. Ministry of Home Affairs & Ors.