A petition has been filed in the Delhi High Court demanding a court-monitored investigation into the July 4 fire at Vishal Mega Mart in Karol Bagh, which claimed two lives. The plea, filed by the NGO Kutumb, alleges grave negligence by multiple authorities, including the store’s management, Delhi Police, the Fire Department, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
The incident occurred in the bustling Karol Bagh area, raising fresh concerns over fire safety and compliance with regulatory norms in the capital’s commercial hubs.
The application was submitted in an ongoing matter related to the July 2024 flooding in Old Rajinder Nagar, where three UPSC aspirants lost their lives due to a drain burst that inundated the basement of a coaching centre.
In the latest plea, the NGO flagged systemic lapses in enforcement of safety regulations and questioned the issuance of licenses and no-objection certificates (NOCs) to commercial entities operating in overcrowded and poorly regulated localities. It further alleged that many establishments, including shopping complexes, eateries, and coaching centres, may be functioning without the required approvals.
Calling for accountability, the petition urged the court to direct a thorough investigation into the role of the MCD, fire services, and local police in failing to enforce safety norms. It also requested the immediate closure of all commercial establishments operating without valid licenses or NOCs in Karol Bagh and surrounding areas, pending the submission of a detailed status report.
The July 4 fire at Vishal Mega Mart has reignited public debate over urban safety standards, particularly in densely populated market areas. The court is yet to fix a date for hearing the application.
