HC fines Allahabad bank for not having fire safety systems

New Delhi, Nov 13 (UNI) The Delhi High Court today imposed a fine Rs 1.5 lakh on the Allahabad Bank situated at Gopal Towers in Connaught Place for not installing proper fire safety devices within the stipulated time.

Justice Geeta Mittal said despite the legislative mandate and directions issued by the Delhi High Court in 2003, Allahabad Bank had not installed the fire safety devices in their premises.

The Bank had failed to comply with measures for installation of fire safety system for the security which was in the public interest.

They were directed to pay a cost of Rs 1.5 lakh to the government exchequer.

After the Uphaar cinema tragedy, the court had issued directions to the state government and fire department to comply with the fire-safety norms at all public places.

Pursuant to the High Court orders, the fire department in 2003, had issued directions to all the high rise buildings in the capital to install the safety systems and submit all their details within 4 weeks then.

Meanwhile, the Allahabad Bank was renovating its premises and filed a writ petition in the court seeking directions to the fire department to approve their plans and drawings of the installation of the fire safety systems.

The fire department issued a show cause notice to the bank on February 2005 and sought their reply within 4 weeks. The bank did not comply with the notice and till now no fire safety system had been installed.

UNI