SC unhappy over High Court's verdict in Uphaar fire tragedy

New Delhi Aug 13 (UNI) The Supreme Court, expressing its unhappiness over the slow progress of the hearing of the case in Delhi High Court, today issued bailable warrants against Ansal brothers owners of Uphaar theatre in Green Park on a petition seeking cancellation of bail granted to them by Delhi High Court.

A bench comprising Justices BN Agrawal and GS Singhvi also issued notices to Sushil Ansal, Gopal Ansal, Nirmal Singh Chopra and Ajit Choudhry on the petition filed by Association of Victims of Uphaar Tragedy.

A fire at the theatre had claimed 59 lives on June 13, 1997.

The association has come in appeal against the High Court order dated January 4, 2008 vide which the four convicts were granted bail.

Acccording to the petitioner, observation of High Court in the impugned order that the accused were not responsible for the tragedy that suffocated to death 59 persons, including women and children also, may lead to acquittal of the accused.

Sushil Ansal and Gopal Ansal were sentenced to 2 years imprisonment by the trial court for criminal negligence.

The apex court will now hear the case on August 22.

Fire had broken out when a movie was being shown at the theatre and exit doors were closed as a result of which those seeing the movie got stuck in the theatre and died of suffocation. The Supreme Court has also called for the case record from Delhi High Court.

UNI SC NC RP HS1625