Ludhiana Police File FIR Against Private School for Unauthorized Generator Operation
In a significant enforcement action, the Ludhiana police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the management of a private school for operating a power generator without obtaining the necessary permission from the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL). This move highlights growing concerns over public safety and regulatory compliance in urban areas.
Details of the Complaint and Legal Charges
The FIR was initiated based on a statement provided by the assistant executive engineer of Urban West, who reported that the school management had installed a generator within the school building without securing approval from the department. The engineer emphasized that the unauthorized use of such power generators could pose serious health and safety risks to residents living in the vicinity, potentially leading to hazardous emissions and noise pollution.
Investigating officer ASI Hardeep Singh from Division No. 8 police station confirmed that the FIR has been lodged under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Specifically, the charges include:
- Section 125: Acts done so rashly or negligently that they endanger human life or the personal safety of others.
- Section 270: Public nuisance, which covers actions that disturb the community.
- Section 280: Voluntary, conscious acts that make the atmosphere noxious to health for residents, workers, or passersby.
These legal provisions underscore the severity of the allegations, framing the school's actions as not merely regulatory violations but as direct threats to public welfare.
History of Legal Issues for the School Management
This is not the first instance of legal trouble for the school management. Earlier, on May 12, 2023, the Division No. 8 police had booked the same management for misusing school premises for commercial purposes. In that case, the management was accused of renting out staff quarters and classrooms as paying guest accommodations, diverting educational facilities for unauthorized financial gain.
Furthermore, another FIR was lodged against the management of a different branch of the school on January 8, 2025, at Division No. 5 police station. That case involved charges of cheating and illegally running commercial activities on land that had been allotted by the Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT) specifically for school purposes. These repeated incidents suggest a pattern of non-compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks, raising questions about the management's adherence to civic responsibilities.
Implications and Broader Context
The recent FIR for unauthorized generator use adds to a series of legal challenges faced by the school, reflecting broader issues in urban governance and public safety enforcement in Ludhiana. Authorities are increasingly vigilant about ensuring that institutions adhere to environmental and safety standards to protect community health.
This case serves as a reminder for other educational and commercial entities to secure proper permissions before installing and operating equipment that could impact public spaces. It also highlights the role of law enforcement in addressing negligence that endangers human life, as outlined in the BNS.
As the investigation proceeds, further details may emerge regarding the extent of the violations and potential penalties. The Ludhiana police's proactive stance in this matter underscores their commitment to upholding public safety and regulatory compliance in the city.
