Infrastructure

Compliance to Safety Norms a Must for Buildings: Karnataka High Court

  • by- Zaid
  • Apr 27, 2026
The Karnataka High Court has held that high-rise residential buildings, including those offering compact or "pocket" apartments, cannot be allowed to exist if they pose a risk to public safety, especially to residents and people living nearby.
Compliance to Safety Norms a Must for Buildings: Karnataka High Court

Bengaluru, April 27: A division bench comprising Justice DK Singh and Justice TM Nadaf made the observation while dismissing a writ appeal filed by Vishnu Sri Builders and Developers over compliance with fire safety setback requirements.

Case Background

The dispute arose from a revised No Objection Certificate issued on June 13, 2023, by the Karnataka State Fire and Emergency Services for an apartment project at Halagevaderahalli in Rajarajeshwari Nagar. Following directions from a single judge, the fire department conducted a fresh inspection and reported that the building lacked the mandatory 8-metre setback around it.

Court's Finding

The division bench examined the inspection report and building layout and found that even if some setback had been provided, it was insufficient for the turning radius of fire engines equipped with aerial ladders, which require more than 9 metres of space for effective movement during emergencies.

Key Ruling

Emphasising the primacy of public safety, the court added that allowing such constructions would endanger not only occupants but also surrounding areas.