Health inspectors asked to explain why license issued despite violations

New Delhi: Two public health inspectors, who seemingly visited the restaurant running out of the building that caught fire in Hauz Rani and said there were no violations, have been issued show cause notices by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

Notices have also been issued to three others for lapses.

The fire killed 22 people. According to officials, the restaurant was running illegally since the owners only had the license to run a tea and snacks stall, which is meant for small establishments selling cooked snacks, tea, shakes and similar items, with only limited provision for warming food using a stove or induction.

According to officials, the owner Lovkesh Bakshi had obtained a tea-and-snacks licence in 2023-24 and 2024-25 as these were issued instantly. However, the application for renewal in 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 licence on June 3, an hour after the fire broke out and that application was immediately rejected,” an official said.

“The inspectors have been asked to explain why clearance was granted and submit a detailed action-taken report regarding inspection conducted, notices issued, prosecution launched and other regulatory action undertaken within 48 hours... sources said.

The action comes even as the official inquiry report, which was to be submitted within three days, or till Saturday, is yet to reach the mayor. Sources said that all public health inspectors and assistant public health inspectors posted in the area/zone after 2023 have been issued show cause notices.

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.

Meanwhile, Mayor Pravesh Wahi has directed the public health department to conduct a comprehensive verification of all establishments that have been given licenses under the category. Continuing action against illegal constructions and misuse of properties, MCD also 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 B&B establishments as the licensing authority was the Delhi tourism department.