Supreme Court Takes Note Of Lucknow Coaching Centre Fire, Issues Contempt Notice To LDA Vice Chairman

The Supreme Court has taken serious note of the Lucknow coaching centre tragedy that claimed 15 lives in June, and issued a contempt notice to the Vice-Chairman of the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) for alleged non-compliance with its directions to identify and act against residential premises being misused for non-residential purposes. During the hearing, a bench of Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice R. Mahadevan was informed by Senior Advocate Ajit Kumar Sinha, Amicus Curiae, that the building where the fatal incident occurred had been the subject of a demolition order passed on May 10, 2016. However, the order was reportedly recalled by the authority itself less than two months later on technical grounds, after which no further action was taken.The Court was told that the residential premises continued to be used for commercial and educational activities until the recent tragedy resulted in the deaths of 15 students. Taking note of the developments, the Court observed that the sequence of events raised serious concerns regarding enforcement of planning regulations and accountability of public officials. “Learned Amicus Curiae submits that a recent tragedy claimed the lives of 15 students in a building where commercial activity was being carried on. It is submitted that pursuant to the said incident, action has now been taken and the building has since been demolished. The learned Amicus Curiae further points out that a demolition order had originally been passed on 10.05.2016; however, on 05.07.2016, the very authority who had passed the demolition order recalled it on a technical ground. Thereafter, no further action was taken until the occurrence of the tragedy.”, the Court noted. The Court called upon the presence of the LDA Vice Chairman to show cause as to why appropriate orders should not be passed against him for non-compliance with the orders of this Court. “This Court is constrained to issue notice in the contempt proceedings, as it is an admitted position that no effective action has been taken against those who have blatantly violated the sanctioned land use prescribed under the Master Plan. The Vice-Chairman, Lucknow Development Authority, shall remain personally present on the next date of hearing to show cause as to why appropriate orders should not be passed against him for non-compliance with the orders of this Court.”, the Court ordered.The Court also directed that the SIT report prepared after the incident be produced before it in a sealed cover on the next date of hearing. Background The bench was hearing a Miscellaneous Application in an SLP, over the apparent failure of authorities to enforce land-use regulations and building laws, observing that no effective action had been taken against those responsible for violating the sanctioned Master Plan. Vide order dated March 25, 2026, the Court expanded the scope of the matter to nationwide, directing the impleadment of all States and Union Territories, underscoring the nationwide significance of urban planning and public safety concerns in States / UTs capitals. Cause Title: LOGANATHAN VERSUS THE STATE OF TAMIL NADU & ORS. Click here to download order

Supreme Court Takes Note Of Lucknow Coaching Centre Fire, Issues Contempt Notice To LDA Vice Chairman

Yash Mittal

The Court noted that the Lucknow Development Authority took no action though the building was used in violation of sanctioned plans.

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Yash Mittal

Supreme Court Takes Note Of Lucknow Coaching Centre Fire, Issues Contempt Notice To LDA Vice Chairman

Yash Mittal

The Court noted that the Lucknow Development Authority took no action though the building was used in violation of sanctioned plans.

This is a premium content Available exclusively to Our subscribers

INR 1099+GST

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Yash Mittal

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