This is the first time the police headquarters, located on Jai Singh Marg, has been denied a fire No-Objection Certificate (NOC)
Delhi Fire Services (DFS) has refused to renew fire safety certificates for two prominent public institutions in the capital — the Delhi Police Headquarters and Lok Nayak Hospital — after inspections found significant violations of fire safety norms. The rejections come amid increased scrutiny of public infrastructure following a spate of hospital and industrial fires earlier this year.
This is the first time the police headquarters, located on Jai Singh Marg, has been denied a fire No-Objection Certificate (NOC). The 17-storey twin-tower complex, inaugurated in 2019 by Union home minister Amit Shah, serves as the first purpose-built home of the Delhi Police after decades in rented spaces. Lok Nayak Hospital, meanwhile, has seen its application for a fire safety certificate rejected twice this year, most recently on 30 May.
According to DFS officials, both buildings were inspected following routine renewal applications — the police HQ on 21 April and Lok Nayak in March and again in May. Detailed reports highlighted multiple deficiencies and non-compliance with the Delhi Fire Services Rules, 2010. Officials said that advisories have been issued to both institutions, and once the deficiencies are addressed, the applications can be reconsidered.
The DFS inspection of the police HQ pointed to five major deficiencies. On the 17th floor, mandated fire check doors had been replaced with ordinary glass doors, and door closers were removed — changes that compromised the pressurisation system crucial for smoke control. “Fire check door has been replaced with normal glass door at the 17th floor and door closers also found removed… which make the pressurization ineffective,” the report stated. The absence of a reception in the lift lobby and non-functional smoke detectors in several areas further weakened emergency preparedness.
“These lapses directly affect the containment of smoke and fire in an emergency,” a senior DFS official told renowned publication . “A high-rise like the police HQ must meet the highest standards — anything less is a risk to life and property.”
A Delhi Police spokesperson said the issues flagged were “minor errors which are being rectified” and clarified that the report did not represent a permanent denial of clearance. “Corrective work is already underway,” the official added.
At Lok Nayak Hospital, DFS officials reported persistent and, in some cases, worsening violations across key buildings including the casualty OPD, surgical block, ortho block and special ward. Access roads necessary for fire tender movement were obstructed or poorly marked, and evacuation routes such as staircases were found blocked by construction debris and waste. Officials warned that these lapses posed serious risks to patient and staff safety.
In May, DFS had also denied renewals for Ambedkar Nagar Hospital, Bhagwan Mahavir Hospital, and two blocks of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, amid growing concerns around institutional fire preparedness.
As per rules, all public and commercial buildings in Delhi must renew their fire safety certificates every three years. DFS has reiterated that all inspections were carried out thoroughly and that clear guidance has been given to help the concerned institutions meet compliance standards.