RECENT INCIDENTS

1. Rajkot Gaming Centre Fire (May 25, 2024):
   • Location: TRP Game Zone, Rajkot, Gujarat.
   • Casualties: At least 32 people killed.
   • Incident Details: Fire spread inside a structure made of metal frames and sheets, trapping victims including children.
   • Actions Taken:
     • Two inquiries initiated: a Special Investigation Team (SIT) by the State government and another by the Rajkot police.
     • Gujarat High Court took suo motu cognisance, leading to the transfer of key officials and suspension of municipal officers.
     • Four individuals, including the game zone operator, were arrested.

2. New Born Baby Care Hospital Fire (May 25, 2024):
   • Location: Vivek Vihar, Delhi.
   • Casualties: Seven babies died.
   • Incident Details: The fire was aggravated by a large number of stored oxygen cylinders.
   • Actions Taken: The hospital owner and the duty doctor were arrested.

FIRE SAFETY REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES

1. Model Building Bye-Laws, 2016:
   • Chapter 11: Specifies “Fire Protection and Fire Safety Requirements.”
   • Part 4 of the National Building Code (NBC): Lays down fire safety norms and standards.
   • Responsibility: State governments are responsible for ensuring compliance.
2. Categories of Buildings:
   • Assembly Buildings: Include venues without permanent seating where 300 or more gather (e.g., theatres, museums, restaurants).
   • Institutional Buildings: Hospitals, custodial institutions, etc.
   • Other Categories: Educational, business, industry, etc., each with specific fire safety regulations.
3. Pandemic-Related Guidelines:
   • Issued on September 28, 2020, by the Health Ministry.
   • Stipulate third-party accreditation for fire safety and a fire response plan.
4. Gujarat Specific Regulations:
   • Comprehensive Development Control Regulations, 2017: Requires Chief Fire Officer’s opinion even for temporary structures.
   • Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2013: Mandates adherence to fire safety provisions.

JUDICIAL RESPONSE TO NEGLIGENCE

1. Uphaar Cinema Tragedy (1997):
   • Outcome: Owners Sushil and Gopal Ansal were convicted for negligence.
   • Charges: Causing death by negligence, hurt by rash act, culpable homicide, among others.
   • Court’s Stand: Held owners and public agency staff liable for structural deviations and lack of safety measures.
2. Gujarat High Court (Post-Rajkot Fire):
   • Actions: Scrutinized enforcement of fire and building laws, identified unauthorised venues.
   • Directive: Called for a government report on compliance with fire safety regulations and periodic checks.

ENHANCING FIRE SAFETY ENFORCEMENT

1. Court Directions:
   • Enforcing Comprehensive Development Control Regulations and fire NOCs.
   • Conducting periodic checks under the Fire Safety Act.
   • Issuing licences under various Acts.
2. Government and Agencies:
   • Full accountability and stricter implementation of the building code and Model Building Bye-Laws.
   • Addressing practical difficulties and improving infrastructure and trained manpower for compliance.
3. Public Buildings Safety:
   • Tight regulation of temporary and ramshackle structures to prevent deadly fires.
   • Ensuring safety for leisure seekers in both urban and rural areas.

The recent fires highlight the critical need for stringent enforcement of fire safety regulations and the active role of judiciary in holding violators accountable to prevent future tragedies.