On Thursday, the Bombay High Court (HC) directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to file a report on the steps taken to implement the recommendations made by a High Court-appointed panel that probed the fire that broke out at two pubs in Kamala Mills Compound in December 2017.
A Division Bench of Chief Justice N.H. Patil and Justice M.S Karnik were hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by former police commissioner Julio Ribeiro. The PIL sought a comprehensive fire safety audit, formation of a special investigation team and appointment of a judicial commission to fix accountability.
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On September 12, the three-member judicial committee submitted its 206- page report to the High Court that said,
The owners of the two restaurants — Mojo’s Bistro and 1Above — have committed serious violations of the conditions stipulated under the NOCs granted by the medical health officer. Hence, necessary action needs to be initiated against them. Officers of the BMC are guilty of serious dereliction of duty and unlawful conduct in the discharge of their duties in relation to the approvals and sanctions granted to the owners of the two restaurants.”
The Bench also asked the BMC to provide details of the licences issued to restaurants and information on them on the online portal.
BMC counsel Anil Sakare said that a 24-hour helpline (1916) was available for people to register their feedback and grievances. The court has asked the BMC to ensure the proper functioning of the helpline and the petitions will be heard in the next hearing that is scheduled for January 7.