Telangana HC raps State for inaction on elevator safety legislation

The Telangana High Court has initiated a Suo Motu Public Interest Litigation over the State’s failure to enact a law regulating lift and elevator safety. The Bench directed the State to file its counter-affidavit within four weeks, while noting that interim measures may be necessary to prevent further fatalities.

By Legal Correspondent

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Wednesday took up a Suo Motu Public Interest Litigation over the State’s continued delay in framing a law to regulate lift and elevator safety.

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The move came after the Court treated a letter as PIL addressed to the Chief Justice by Advocate Barkat Ali Khan raising concerns over recurring accidents linked to malfunctioning lifts.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice Ghouse Meera Mohiuddin said that the absence of a statutory framework, despite several fatal incidents reported in recent years, called for immediate attention. The Bench noted with displeasure that the draft legislation on lift safety has remained pending with the Government for nearly a decade.

During the hearing, the Government Pleader informed the Court that the proposal was still under consideration. The Bench remarked that such prolonged inaction in a matter involving public safety was unacceptable.

Advocate Barkat Ali Khan, appearing in person, highlighted recent incidents resulting in deaths and serious injuries, urging the Court to ensure mandatory safety norms until a law is enacted. The Bench asked him to place before the Court relevant material on safety standards adopted in other States.

Observing that interim measures may be warranted to prevent further accidents, the Court directed the State to file its counter-affidavit within four weeks and adjourned the hearing.