15 people have died in the Aliganj fire incident in Lucknow.
So far 15 people have died in the fire incident in Aliganj area of Lucknow. Many of them were teenagers and youth. Many people are fighting for their lives in King George’s Medical University. Taking immediate action, the government has suspended some government officials and employees. Some people including the owner of the building have also been arrested. In the investigation so far, it has been found that the building was residential but commercial activities were taking place on every floor. Sudden trapping of youth in coaching centers has also been found to be the reason for most of the deaths. After the accident, CM Yogi Aditya Nath has constituted SIT to investigate.
The VC of Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has also formed an inquiry committee. Police have also registered FIR and made arrests. Now everyone’s eyes are going to be on how much punishment will be given to the culprits after all these efforts? Let us look at this entire matter from a legal perspective.
Commercial activities in residential property
Coaching centers or other commercial activities are illegal in residential areas. Residential buildings in Aliganj were converted for commercial use. There were no concrete arrangements for fire safety. The stairs were narrow. After the accident the biometric lock remained closed. Because of this people could not come out. Due to these reasons this building turned into a heap of death.
Picture of the incident site in Aliganj. Photo: PTI
How much punishment can the culprits get?
In the case registered by the police in this case, sections 110, 105, 125, 3(5) of the Indian Judicial Code and section 6/10 of the Uttar Pradesh Fire Service Act have been mentioned. Arrests have been made on this basis. It is possible that some more people may be arrested further. After investigation, if the police files a charge sheet as per the FIR, then the maximum punishment in this case can be life imprisonment.
What is BNS Section 105?
This section falls in the category of very serious crime. This is the section of criminal homicide. Meaning, when the intention is not to murder but the risk has been taken deliberately. In such cases, there can be life imprisonment or imprisonment up to ten years and fine. Normally, this section is used only when the police feel that the person setting the fire was aware of the danger of death.
The residential building of Aliganj was converted for commercial use. Photo: PTI
BNS Section 106 may be imposed
According to the information available till now, the police has not used Section 106 but it is possible to use it in future. This section applies in case of death due to negligence. For example, when the investigation progresses, it will be seen what level of security arrangements were made by the coaching center owners. Residential property was used illegally. This negligence resulted in deaths. In such cases, imprisonment of up to two years or fine or both is possible.
Discussion of BNS Section 110 in FIR
Police have registered a case under section 110 of BNS. In such a case, there is a provision of imprisonment up to 10 years and fine and in special circumstances, punishment up to life imprisonment is possible.
What is BNS Section 125?
Police have also used BNS Section 125 in their FIR. This section is a combination of sections 336, 337 and 338 of the IPC. When a person, due to his carelessness or haste, does something that endangers the life or personal safety of others. Running coaching in a residential building without fire exit, illegal construction or not fixing the hanging electrical wires etc. are covered under this. Under Section 125(A), imprisonment up to three months or fine up to Rs 2,500 can be imposed. Section 125(B) says that if someone causes serious injury, he can be punished with imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to Rs 10,000.
Police have also registered FIR and made arrests.
Police also imposed BNS Section 3 (5)
This section applies when more than one person together commits a crime. If it is found that the owner of the coaching centre, the owner of the building and the management together ignored the rules. In such a situation, every person will be held responsible for that crime in the same way as if he had committed that crime alone. This section has no separate punishment of its own. This is coupled with the main offense that has been committed. For example, if section 110 (attempt to murder) is read with 3(5), then all the culprits involved will receive the full punishment for attempt to murder.
Other legal aspects will also come up
Converting residential property to commercial use is also an offence. Building bylaws were violated in this. Fire Safety Act was not followed. These violations caused the deaths, so they will be included in the punishment along with the main offence. Police and administration are investigating. A two-member SIT has been formed. After their report comes, the sections can be increased. Accordingly, the provision of punishment may also increase.
video of the incident
Another video shows the heartbreaking moments during the devastating fire as it unfolded at a coaching centre, which claimed 15 lives in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.😥 https://t.co/KB01Kw1kmz pic.twitter.com/bhSIJ1W9TX
— Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) June 22, 2026
Noise now, legal complications after this
Currently, the pace of this matter is being seen because the CM canceled his program and reached Lucknow. MP and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh canceled all his programs and reached Lucknow. After just a few days this matter will gradually cool down. Then the real legal battle will begin. Court, cross-examination of lawyers. The wait for justice will begin date by date.
Supreme Court Advocate Vineet Jindal says that in this case it is important to see how quickly the police files the charge sheet in the court. In such serious cases, chargesheet should be filed within 60 days. If this does not happen the accused may get bail. They say that everything is clear in such a horrific fire incident, in such a situation, it is necessary to file a charge sheet immediately to punish the culprits.
Certainly the Lucknow Coaching Center fire is a big tragedy. Running a coaching center or other commercial activities on residential property is wrong. Many lives were lost due to arson or negligence. Rules will have to be tightened to prevent such incidents from happening in future. Justice will be done only if the culprits are given appropriate punishment. But, the biggest question is whether the culprits will really be punished?
Also read: Lucknow fire: Lal went to coaching, dead body returned home… inside story of the accident
