The Bombay High Court has taken a firm stance, urging the Maharashtra government to promptly implement fire safety regulations. This directive follows a PIL filed in 2019, urging the enforcement of draft rules proposed in 2009 for safeguarding buildings against man-made disasters.
During the recent hearing [Abha Singh v. State of Maharashtra & Ors.], a division bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Arif Doctor reiterated the need for expeditiously issuing fire safety guidelines. The Court emphasized the State's responsibility to adhere to the timeline, now set for May 2024, self-imposed by the government for the issuance of these regulations.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the government's delay in responding to safety recommendations, the bench remarked that the State seemed to have taken action only after the Court's intervention. The Court questioned the lack of initiative by the authorities despite receiving committee recommendations in February 2023.
The Court's scrutiny extended to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), directing it to furnish details regarding fire safety measures in city buildings and the status of fire stations, including staff strength within municipal limits.
Earlier instances of rising fire incidents in the state drew concern from the Court, highlighting the urgency of implementing stringent safety protocols. The judiciary underscored the gravity of the situation, stressing that negligence in this matter could not be tolerated.
Despite the government's mention of an expert committee's report in February 2023, the Court remained dissatisfied with the lack of tangible progress. The Court demanded clarity on the government's timeline for implementing safety rules, leading to the State's declaration of the expected enforcement by May 2024.
The Court has scheduled the next hearing for January 30, 2024, underscoring the ongoing judicial oversight and insistence on the timely execution of fire safety protocols to protect against the escalating risks of fire accidents.
