Four people were killed in a fire in a hotel in Lucknow on Monday. A high-level probe has accused 19 officials of irregularities and negligence.

Amid positive changes in the legal landscape for the LGBTQIA+ community, a lesbian woman wonders why she still needs to travel abroad to get her same-sex marriage registered.

She chose acamedic pursuit to escape the crushing social stigma. Today, she helps others like her stand up on their feet

Recent remarks by Indian courts, albeit mere observations, could open the doors for queer families to challenge the laws that prevent the achievement of equal recognition.

Since a 2014 judgment by the Supreme Court, transpeople have been legally recognised. But discrimination and abuse persist.

What is a relationship? Is it just about sex and physical intimacy? Or is it about emotional sharing? Or does caring for each other form the core of a relationship?

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered action against 19 officials over a fire in a hotel in state capital Lucknow that killed four people.

Following the fire in Hotel Levana Suits in Lucknow on Monday, the UP government had set up a high-level committee to investigate the incident. The committee in its report accused 19 officials of irregularities and negligence. 

Taking cognisance of the report, Adityanath has ordered action against 19 current and former officials. A spokesperson said on Saturday that Adityanath gave the instructions after receiving the report of Lucknow Commissioner of Police SB Shiradkar and Divisional Commissioner Roshan Jacob.

#BREAKING | Lucknow hotel fire kills 4; Yogi Adityanath govt suspends officials @pranshumisraa shares more details #lucknow | @aayeshavarma pic.twitter.com/ZOhjGJ0i04

The spokesman said departmental action, including suspension, will be taken against officials of the Departments of Home, Energy, Appointment and Personnel, Housing and Urban Planning and Excise, adding that the said action will also be taken against those who retired according to prevailing rules.

Four people were killed and 10 others injured in the fire. Police registered a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and attempt to murder against the hotel owners and the general manager. Three people have been arrested in the case so far. 

Earlier, Hindustan Times reported, "The allegations mentioned in the FIR lodged on the complaint of Hazratganj police station senior sub-inspector Daya Shankar Dwivedi had stated that no fire safety measures were in place at the hotel. Besides, the hotel did not have emergency entry and exit routes."

Subscribe to get complete access to Outlook Print and Digital Magazines, Web Exclusive stories and the Archive. Attractive gifts with each subscription.

© 2022 Outlook Publishing India Pvt. Ltd