The Delhi High Court has instructed the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) to promptly address the outstanding fire safety deficiencies in the Super Speciality Block of Dr Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital, following the latest inspection report from the Delhi Fire Service.
The bench, composed of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, issued the directive while hearing a public interest litigation filed by Social Jurist, a civil rights organisation.
Senior Advocate Satyakam represented the petitioner alongside Advocates Ashok Agarwal and Kumar Utkarsh. The Union of India and other respondents were represented by Central Government Standing Counsel Jagdish Chandra, with Advocates Aishwarya Sinha, Maanya Saxena, Lakshay Kumar and Abhishek Sharma. Standing Counsel (Civil) Sameer Vashisht appeared on behalf of the Delhi Fire Service, assisted by Advocates Harshita Nathrani and Aryaman Vachher, and Bhupender Prakash, Assistant Divisional Officer, Delhi Fire Service.
During proceedings, the Court added the Chief Architect of the CPWD as a respondent and issued notice, which CGSC Pratima N Lakra accepted on their behalf.
The Delhi Fire Service informed the Court that the hospital’s application for a fire safety certificate was initially rejected on March 9, 2026, after inspectors found 20 deficiencies during inspection. A subsequent inspection on July 4, 2026 revealed that none of these issues had been resolved, leading to a second rejection on July 22, 2026. Copies of both rejection orders were recorded by the Court.
Further, the Delhi Fire Service reported that a new inspection took place on August 1, 2026. A fresh report outlining the remaining deficiencies is being prepared and will be shared with hospital authorities and the Chief Architect of CPWD within three days.
The Court directed that upon receipt of the report, the Chief Architect of CPWD must immediately initiate measures to address and rectify the outstanding deficiencies, underscoring the public interest in the timely completion of this super speciality hospital facility.
The Court stated: “It is needless to emphasise that construction of such facility at the earliest will be in public interest and, therefore, no delay in completion of construction or removal of deficiencies required for issuance of fire clearance certificate can be accepted.”
It was also noted that the hospital had obtained all other statutory permissions except the fire safety certificate.
The bench requested Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma’s assistance, highlighting the importance of the issue concerning the hospital’s construction. The hospital authorities and Chief Architect of the CPWD have been directed to submit status reports before the next hearing.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on September 7 and has been placed “High on Board.”
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