Court Order on Fire Safety in Educational Institutions
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the governments of Punjab, Haryana, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh, along with power distribution companies, to submit a status report detailing measures taken to protect students from fire accidents in schools and coaching centres. The next hearing is scheduled for August 10, 2026.
The order was issued in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Advocate Kanwar Pahul Singh. The PIL cited a June 24, 2026, report in The Chandigarh Tribune titled "Surprise Check Exposes Fire Safety Gaps," which revealed major violations during inspections of coaching centres in Sector 34, Chandigarh.
Details of Fire Safety Violations Found
The surprise inspection, led by Dr. Inderjeet, Joint Commissioner-cum-Chief Fire Officer, and Station Fire Officers, found that classrooms lacked proper exit signage and had windows covered with iron grills. One institute conducted classes in a basement in violation of building rules. Fire alarm systems at entry points were non-functional, and hydrant systems were either inoperable or locked with missing keys. In almost all buildings, entry and exit points were the same.
Inspected coaching institutes included Helix, Allen, Sri Chaitanya Academy, Alex, Head Master's, Narayana, and PW Vidyapeeth.
Supreme Court Precedents and Petitioner's Arguments
The petitioner noted that the Supreme Court, in a PIL on fire incidents in schools, had directed state governments and Union Territories to ensure school buildings comply with the National Building Code before granting recognition or affiliation. The apex court also ordered all existing government and private schools to install fire-extinguishing equipment within six months.
The petitioner argued that comprehensive surveys are needed to identify properties under high-tension and low-tension electricity lines, with formal notices to owners about safety clearance requirements.
Human Rights Commission's Parallel Action
Taking suo motu cognizance of the same news report, the Punjab State and Chandigarh (UT) Human Rights Commission directed the Secretary of Local Government, Punjab; the Chief Secretary, Punjab; and the Commissioner and Chief Engineer of Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh, to ensure compliance with fire safety norms and obtain Fire Safety No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from all commercial and government establishments.
