New Delhi, June 27:
A public interest litigation (PIL) has been moved before the Supreme Court seeking directions for the formulation and enforcement of a National Minimum Fire and Life-Safety Framework for high-risk public occupancy premises across the country, citing recurring fire tragedies in schools, hospitals, coaching centres, hotels and commercial establishments.
The writ petition, filed by advocate Narendra Kumar Goswami in his personal capacity, has sought directions to the Union and state governments to establish uniform minimum fire and life-safety standards for public buildings, irrespective of the existing regulatory framework in different states.
The plea contended that the existing legal framework governing fire safety remains fragmented and uneven across states and union territories, resulting in inconsistent standards and enforcement gaps that continue to endanger public safety. The PIL has sought directions for the formulation and implementation of a National Minimum Fire and Life-Safety Framework covering schools, hospitals, coaching centres, hotels, guest houses, entertainment venues, commercial buildings and other public occupancy establishments.
It has prayed for effective mechanisms to ensure compliance with fire safety norms, periodic inspections, emergency preparedness, evacuation planning and accountability for violations by authorities and occupiers. Referring to a series of fire tragedies across the country, the plea said the petition was necessitated by recurring incidents exposing systemic deficiencies in fire prevention, enforcement and public safety despite the existence of various statutory provisions and judicial directions.
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