Human rights panel takes suo motu cognisance of MC building operating without fire safety certificate

The Punjab State and Chandigarh (UT) Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognisance of a news report published in the Chandigarh Tribune on April 5, with the heading “Chandigarh MC building without fire safety certificate”, highlighting that the civic body building in Sector 17 has been functioning without a fire safety certificate (FSC).

The commission has issued notices and called for reports from Chandigarh MC Commissioner, its Chief Engineer, and the Chandigarh Fire Safety Officer. Reports are to be submitted at least a week before the next hearing scheduled for April 20.

The Fire Safety Officer has also been directed to submit details of how many public buildings in the city operate without fire safety certificates and to appear before the commission to explain the actions taken regarding these buildings, including the MC premises.

The order, issued by the commission comprising Justice Sant Parkash (Chairperson), Justice Gurbir Singh, and Jitender Singh Shunty, states: “The allegations relate to failure to comply with fire safety norms, which can endanger the lives of persons working or studying in such buildings in case of a fire incident. The commission takes suo motu cognisance in the matter.”

A copy of the order and the news report has been sent to the Commissioner, Chief Engineer, and Fire Safety Officer through e-mail and post for compliance. Advocate Ujjawal Mittal has accepted notice in the matter.

The Tribune report highlighted that the five-storey MC building has been operating without an FSC, as revealed in a reply given to a councillor. The councillor said the lapse by MC officials puts thousands of daily visitors and hundreds of employees at risk.