The Delhi government is yet to empanel any third-party auditors to issue fire safety certificates, even as the new rules allowing private auditors to do so have come into effect, with the government considering extending the empanelment deadline, officials said.
“The file is under consideration. Officials attributed the lack of interest partly to the responsibility and potential liability involved. “Issuing a fire safety certificate is a highly sensitive responsibility. If a fire or any mishap occurs in a building that has been certified as compliant, the third-party auditor could face scrutiny and may be held accountable.
The Delhi government notified the Delhi Fire Service (Amendment) Rules, 2025, on May 26, introducing a framework under which empanelled private auditors can inspect buildings and issue or renew fire safety certificates. The amended rules came into force immediately, while provisions for third-party audits were to become operational 90 days after the gazette notification. The department is currently processing applications received until August 24.
Delhi chief fire officer AK Malik said the department was examining the situation. “There have been no suitable applicants,” he said. A government official said the DFS had moved a file seeking an extension of the empanelment deadline. A handful of applications have been received, but they have been found inadequate,” the official said, asking not to be named. Another official said that under the amended rules, the DFS is no longer empowered to inspect buildings and issue or renew fire safety certificates. Delhi home minister Ashish Sood said the matter was being examined but did not provide further details. Many professionals appear to be wary of this liability,” the second official said.
