Mall has complied with fire safety rules, HC told

TNN / Aug 21, 2024, 05:18 IST

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Mall has complied with fire safety rules, HC told

Madurai: The district fire officer has informed Madras high court that Vishaal De Mal building in Madurai had complied with various safety suggestions given by the authorities. The court was hearing a public interest litigation filed in 2023 following a fire accident in the mall on December 24.
Petitioner R Major Kumar said the mall which began functioning in 2012 has four floors and two basement floors.There are five screens of multiplex theatres in it. A petrol bunk is situated adjacent to it. According to him, when the fire accident happened, people who were watching movies in the theatres were in shock and scampered for safety. No precautionary steps were taken for public safety for emergency evacuation. Hence, he sought a direction to the authorities to inspect the building and allow the mall to operate only after it obtains fire safety and building stability certificates.
The court had earlier granted interim stay on conduct of any programmes in the mall till further orders. It directed the district collector and district fire officer to conduct an inspection with qualified people regarding stability of the building and safety of the public.
A division bench of Justice R Subramanian and Justice L Victoria Gowri observed that pursuant to the direction, the fire and rescue services department had conducted safety audit of the building and made certain suggestions in December 2023. Various measures for protection in case of fire accident were set out and the building owner was directed to comply with those requirements.

In January 2024, the district fire officer submitted in a report that all suggestions and advice have been complied with and the building is now compliant with National Fire and Safety Rescue Rules, 2016. “In view of the said report, we do not see any reason to issue a direction as sought for by the petitioner at this point of time, as we find that the purpose of the petition has been achieved,” the judges observed and closed the petition. The judges also observed that the interim order stands vacated.

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