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Chandigarh, June 25
The Punjab State and Chandigarh (UT) Human Rights Commission has taken suo moto cognizance of reported fire safety violations in coaching centres operating in Chandigarh after a media report highlighted serious deficiencies during surprise inspections conducted by the Fire and Rescue Services Department of the Municipal Corporation.
The Commission observed that several coaching institutes in the city’s commercial areas were operating without the mandatory fire safety clearances. According to information placed before the Commission, around 105 coaching centres are operating in Sectors 33, 34, and 36, with nearly 20 reportedly lacking valid fire safety certificates. Notices have been issued to the institutions concerned. The matter was taken up by a bench comprising Commission Chairperson Justice Sant Parkash, Member Justice Gurbir Singh, and Member Jitender Singh Shunty, a Padma Shri awardee.
In its order, the Commission expressed concern over recurring fire incidents reported across the country and stressed the importance of strict compliance with fire safety regulations to protect human lives. It noted that similar cases relating to non-compliance with fire safety norms in commercial establishments, government offices, schools, and hospitals in Mohali and Chandigarh are already under its consideration.
The Commission directed the Secretary, Local Government, Punjab, the Chief Secretary, Punjab, the Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh, and the Chief Engineer of the Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh, to ensure adherence to fire safety norms and facilitate the issuance of mandatory Fire Safety No Objection Certificates for commercial and government establishments.
The authorities have also been asked to verify compliance with prescribed safety standards, review the status of fire safety clearances across institutions, and submit detailed reports before the next hearing. The Commission said the objective of the proceedings is to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure the safety of citizens. The matter has been listed for further hearing on July 7, 2026.
