Ignored warning? Delhi HC's fire safety order remained unimplemented before hotel tragedy

New Delhi: Nearly five months before the devastating fire at a bed-and-breakfast accommodation on Wednesday, Delhi High Court had directed authorities to urgently address concerns over inadequate fire safety measures in hotels, restaurants and other hospitality establishments across the capital.

However, authorities are yet to comply with the court's January 7 order, as per petitioner Arpit Bhargava. The order assumes renewed significance in the wake of one of the deadliest fire incidents in the city in recent years.

Bhargava claimed he sent repeated reminders to the chief secretary of Delhi government, the commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the chairperson of New Delhi Municipal Council to comply with the order, but to no avail.