In Brief
This case concerns a fatal fire at a consumer exhibition in Meerut on 10 April 2006, which killed 65 people and injured over 160. The Supreme Court upheld the liability of the private event organizers (60%) and the State (40%) for violation of the victims' right to life under Article 21. The Court held that writ petitions under Article 32 are maintainable against private parties for compensation when fundamental rights are violated through hazardous activities affecting public safety. Event organizers who collect entry fees owe a duty to ensure visitor safety and cannot escape liability by delegating work to contractors. The Court affirmed the principles of strict liability for hazardous activities and remitted the matter to determine final compensation amounts based on established standards for accident compensation."
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.