Human rights panel puts Chandigarh civic body on notice

Taking suo motu cognisance of the news report published in the Chandigarh Tribune — “MC Building without fire safety certificate” — the Punjab State and Chandigarh (UT) Human Rights Commission has issued notices calling for a report from the MC Commissioner, Chief Engineer and Fire Safety Officer, to be submitted by a week before the next date of hearing fixed on April 20.

The Fire Safety Officer has also been directed to submit a report regarding how many public buildings are functioning without the fire safety certificate. He has been asked to appear before the commission with a detailed report as to what action he has taken qua those buildings, including the MC office in Sector 17.

The commission comprises Justice Sant Parkash (chairperson), members Justice Gurbir Singh and Jitender Singh Shunty.

The new report has highlighted the fact revealed in a reply by MC officers to questions raised by Ram Chander Yadav, councillor of Ward No. 15. The MC informed the councillor that the five-storey MC building had been functioning without the fire safety certificate. The councillor said this “lapse” on the part of the MC officers put the lives of thousands of people who visit the building every day and its employees.