New Delhi: The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has issued show cause notices to two public health inspectors who inspected a restaurant in Hauz Rani and found no violations, despite the building later catching fire and killing 22 people. Notices have also been issued to three other officials for lapses.
Illegal Restaurant Operation
According to officials, the restaurant was operating illegally as the owner, Lovkesh Bakshi, only held a license to run a tea and snacks stall. Such licenses are meant for small establishments selling cooked snacks, tea, shakes, and similar items, with limited provision for warming food using a stove or induction. Bakshi had obtained a tea-and-snacks license for 2023-24 and 2024-25, as these were issued instantly. However, the renewal application for 2025-26 remained pending.
“It was only after the premises was physically verified at least twice by the successive public health inspectors who gave a go ahead that a renewed license was issued in the past. The owner applied for a 2026-27 license on June 3, an hour after the fire broke out, and that application was immediately rejected,” an official said.
Action Against Inspectors
The inspectors have been asked to explain why clearance was granted and submit a detailed action-taken report within 48 hours, covering inspections conducted, notices issued, prosecutions launched, and other regulatory actions. Sources said that all public health inspectors and assistant public health inspectors posted in the area or zone after 2023 have been issued show cause notices.
The official inquiry report, which was to be submitted within three days or by Saturday, is yet to reach the mayor. Earlier, around 20% of applications under the tea-and-snacks category were physically verified. However, following a May 2025 order, field inspections were made mandatory for all such establishments. The MCD did not respond to queries on the matter.
Broader Crackdown
Mayor Pravesh Wahi has directed the public health department to conduct a comprehensive verification of all establishments licensed under the category. Continuing action against illegal constructions and misuse of properties, MCD has demolished 26 properties and sealed another 42. So far, the civic body has demolished 123 properties and sealed 170.
Pointing to a 2022 High Court order, MCD officials said they had limited powers in regulating bed and breakfast establishments as the licensing authority is the Delhi tourism department.
