New Delhi, 1st March, 2013
The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports on a major fire in a five-storied office building at Surya Sen Market, Kolkata, West Bengal in the early hours of 27th February, 2013 that took away 20 lives and left several others injured.

In its notice to the Chief Secretary of West Bengal and Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Kolkata, returnable in four weeks, the Commission has expressed concern over recurring incidents of fire and loss of several lives in Kolkata in the recent past.

Allegedly, a majority of the markets besides government hospitals, including Kolkata Medical College & Hospital, Neel Ratan Sarkar Medical College & Hospital, do not have adequate fire safety arrangements. Many markets and business establishments are operating without 'No Objection Certificate' from the fire department. Reportedly, the Chief Minister herself has admitted to this fact. However, it seems that a little had been done to guarantee fire safety.

The Commission has observed that the State has a responsibility to ensure safety of its people. Any failure on this score will amount to gross violation of human rights.


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