Supreme Court cites blazes in Delhi, Lucknow; questions civic bodies on unauthorised buildings

The Supreme Court on Thursday (July 9, 2026) said that “laxity” of civic authorities in taking effective action against unauthorized constructions in the national capital and neighboring areas will not be tolerated.

A bench of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R. Mahadevan linked clusters of unauthorized buildings in congested areas in Delhi, Gurugram and even Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh to the recent incidents of fatal fires in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar on June 3 and in Lucknow on June 22.

Court-appointed senior advocate Ajit Sinha friendly curiaeHe said many factors came together to lead to tragedies. The fire broke out in a narrow multi-storey building operated as a bed and breakfast with a restaurant on the ground floor, in the crowded Hauz Rani urban village of Malviya Nagar in south Delhi, he said.

“The final death toll reached 23, most of whom were reported to be foreign nationals from Nigeria, Mozambique, Somalia, Liberia, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan who stayed near Max and PSRI hospitals while their relatives received medical treatment; more than 50 people were rescued.”

Mr. Sinha said that a fire broke out in a multi-storey building in Lucknow’s Aliganj, resulting in the death of 15 people, mostly students aged between 16 and 25.

“We are particularly concerned about the behavior of the Delhi Municipal Corporation.” [MCD] Regarding non-compliance with the directions given by the court in 2024 and certain directions on May 20,” the Bench addressed Additional Solicitor General SD Sanjay appearing on behalf of MCD.

The law officer agreed to submit a detailed report before the next hearing date, August 4.

The court warned that senior officials of civic bodies would be held personally liable if effective action was not taken on the ground to control unauthorized constructions.

The court cited media reports that 93% of buildings in Gurugram did not comply with fire safety norms and asked the executive chairman of the city’s civic body to be present on the next date of hearing with a report detailing the action taken.