New Delhi: The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition seeking a uniform national framework for fire and life safety in high-risk public premises, including schools, coaching centres, hostels, hotels, hospitals, restaurants, malls and marriage halls.

A Bench of Justices Narasimha and Alok Aradhe dismissed the writ petition on August 14. The plea was filed following a deadly fire at a Delhi bed-and-breakfast facility in June that claimed 23 lives.

Petition sought stricter safety checks

The petitioner had sought a National Minimum Fire and Life Safety Compliance, Audit, Disclosure and Accountability Framework covering high-footfall public premises.

Among the proposed measures were mandatory fire and electrical-safety audits, valid fire NOCs, occupancy certificates, evacuation plans, emergency lighting, illuminated exits, staff training and regular mock drills.

The plea also sought district-wise public data on safety compliance, including details of fire NOCs, inspections, deficiencies and corrective action. It proposed QR-coded fire-safety certificates and penalties for fake certificates, forged NOCs and regulatory lapses.

Children and students highlighted

Special protection was sought for schools, coaching centres, hostels, PGs and student libraries. The petition argued that such establishments should not operate from unsafe basements, unauthorised floors, congested staircases or premises with inadequate evacuation facilities.

The concerns are particularly relevant to Karnataka, where authorities and institutions have repeatedly faced questions over fire-safety compliance. News Karnataka has reported on strict fire-safety measures urged in Udupi and a school fire in Bengaluru.

The petition also sought implementation reviews of earlier safety directions, including those arising from Avinash Mehrotra v. Union of India.

While the Supreme Court has dismissed the plea, the issues raised underline the continuing importance of effective fire prevention, regular inspections and safe evacuation systems in premises where large numbers of people gather.