The Delhi High Court on Monday granted interim bail to Lavkesh Bajaj, the owner of the hotel building in Malviya Nagar where a devastating fire killed 21 people in June.

Justice Sachin Datta granted interim bail to Bajaj on medical grounds for four weeks so as to enable him to recuperate and recover adequately.

"....having regard to the nature of the surgery undergone by the applicant and the short period that has elapsed since his discharge from the hospital, without expressing any opinion on the merits of the present case, the Court is of the view that the applicant deserves to be released on interim bail on medical grounds, for a limited period, so as to enable him to recuperate and recover adequately," the Court said.

The Court allowed Bajaj's plea seeking interim bail for four weeks. It noted that Bajaj had undergone a major abdominal surgery on August 31 and has been discharged only on September 15.

"From the aforesaid report, it is also evident that there is a risk of complications, warranting careful medical management," the judge said.

The first information report (FIR) was registered against Bajaj under Sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 326 (mischief by fire) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

At least 58 people were rescued and taken to hospitals, where 21 were declared dead.

As per officials, the hotel was operating without a fire NOC in a congested bylane, killing at least 21 people, some of which were African nationals, and some from Turkmenistan.

Reportedly, the building in question had approval for only six rooms but was operating more than 20 and had a single entry-exit point.

Counsel for Petitioner: Mr. Nitin Ahlawat, Ms. Preeti Yadav, Mr. Kanwar Abhay Singh, Mr. Kshitiz Ahlawat, Mr. Gautam, Mr. Remit Bhasin, Mr. Gagan, Advocates

Counsel for Respondents: Ms. Priyanka Dalal, APP for State

Title: LOVKESH BAJAJ v. STATE GOVT OF NCT OF DELHI