All emergency lights, PA systems and fire safety measures were in full working order
Mr. K.C.Chopra, Advocate for the defense demonstrated before the Court that cinema staff Maj. Ajit Chaudhary was actively involved in assisting patrons alongwith other staff members. He alongwith other staff helped the patrons in going outside the Cinema Hall. In this process large number of patrons were rescued. During the rescue operation Maj. Chaudhary himself became unconscious by inhaling the smoke and was admitted to the AIIMS by the Police where he received the treatment. This fact is clearly borne out from the evidence on Court record and the medical certificate issued by AIIMS. He further pointed out that it is absolutely unfair to charge the Uphaar staff by putting blame on them that they did not assist the patrons in finding the escape route from cinema hall.
Mr. Chopra also demonstrated from the evidence of the witnesses that the emergency lights, footlights, exit lights and public address system were in order on 13.06.1997. He read out the Inspection Reports of Fire Department Official, who confirmed that all fire safety measures were provided in the cinema hall.
He, however, pointed out that responsibility and liability for safety of the patrons and also for footlights, emergency lights, etc. was of the Whole Time Director, Mr. R.M. Puri and Deputy General Manager, Mr. K.L. Malhotra, who were authorized by the resolution of Board of Directors of Cinema owning company and pursuant to said authority they were looking after the day-to-day affairs and management of Uphaar Cinema. The Ansal name does not even feature in this.
