Supreme Court Seeks Accountability in Lucknow Coaching Centre Fire Case

New Delhi, August 06, 2026 The Supreme Court has intensified its focus on accountability following the coaching centre fire in Lucknow that claimed the lives of 15 students. The case has drawn attention to the alleged failure of authorities to enforce approved land-use regulations, highlighting wider concerns over the misuse of residential properties for commercial purposes and the need for stricter compliance with planning laws. On August 4, a Bench of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R. Mahadevan issued a contempt of court notice to the vice-chairman of the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) after observing that no effective action had been taken against violations of the city's sanctioned Master Plan. "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 Court said. The observation came after Amicus Curiae Senior Advocate Ajit Kumar Sinha informed the Bench that the tragedy occurred in a building where commercial activities were being carried out. He also submitted that a demolition order for the building had been issued on May 10, 2016, but was withdrawn by the same authority on July 5, 2016, on technical grounds. According to the amicus, no further action was taken until the fatal incident occurred. The Lucknow fire came before the Supreme Court during proceedings that originally arose from an unauthorised construction case in Chennai. While hearing the matter, the Bench broadened the scope of the proceedings to examine the larger issue of residential properties being used for commercial purposes in violation of building and land-use regulations. It sought details from authorities in the capitals of all States and Union Territories regarding such violations. During the hearing, the Court noted that the LDA was not originally a party to the proceedings but had later filed an affidavit along with an application seeking to be impleaded, after which it was added as a respondent through its vice-chairman. The Court was also informed that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted after the Lucknow fire had completed its inquiry and submitted its report. The Bench directed that the SIT report be produced before it in a sealed cover at the next hearing. It also instructed LDA Vice-Chairman Prathmesh Kumar, who appeared before the Court, to remain personally present on the next date of hearing and explain why appropriate orders should not be passed against him for the alleged non-compliance with the Court's directions. The proceedings underline the Supreme Court's continued emphasis on enforcing planning regulations and ensuring greater accountability for lapses that may put public safety at risk.