The Government of Madhya Pradesh on September 03, 2026, issued the Madhya Pradesh Agnishaman Evam Apatkalin Sevayen Adhiniyam, 2026.
The following has been stated:
• The Act establishes a unified, state-wide framework to regulate fire prevention, life safety, and emergency response. Under this law, the state government holds general administrative authority, while operational control is managed by urban local bodies and competent authorities. The service is designated as an essential service, giving emergency personnel the power to forcefully enter properties, restrict traffic, and claim free access to local water sources during firefighting operations.
• Building owners and occupiers are strictly liable for installing and maintaining fire safety systems, and municipal authorities cannot issue occupancy certificates without verified fire safety approvals. High-risk structures must appoint a dedicated Fire Safety Supervisor, and inspectors have full authority to enter, review, and seal dangerous or non-compliant premises.
• The Act enforces strict compliance through heavy financial penalties and legal liability. Filing false fire reports draws a fine of up to ₹20,000, while serious structural failures—such as building safety non-compliance, operating without fire safety certificates, or breaking official safety seals—carry penalties ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹5,00,000, along with additional daily fines for ongoing violations.
• Furthermore, if a fire occurs due to clear negligence, the responsible party is legally liable to pay damages to affected victims. Fire personnel found guilty of cowardice or willful neglect face up to three months of imprisonment or loss of salary. To sustain these operations, local municipal bodies are empowered to levy a dedicated "Fire Tax" collected as a percentage surcharge on standard property taxes.
[Notification No. – 8437-184-twenty-one-a (P)]
