Gujarat HC issues notice for PIL calling for implementation of National Building Code, 2016 in the wake of Surat Fire Tragedy

The Gujarat High Court has issued notice in a PIL calling for the implementation of the National Building Code, 2016. The PIL has been filed in the wake of the Surat fire tragedy that took lives of 22 students of a coaching institute in the Takshashila Arcade on 24 May.

The petitioner has called implementation of following prayers including the Strict Implementation of the National Building Code, 2016 and allied safety norms for buildings, Development of Centralised Audit Mechanism to conduct regular safety audits, making fire insurance coverage mandatory for commercial and public buildings, including coaching classes and schools, seal buildings that are functioning irregularly or illegally in violation of safety norms.

To this an enquiry is to be conducted to fix the responsibility for the Surat fire Tragedy which claimed the lives of 22 students of a coaching Institute. To this end petitioner also calls for constitution of Special Investigation Team.