New Delhi, Aug. 27 -- The Delhi government is yet to empanel any third-party auditors to issue fire safety certificates, even as new rules allowing private auditors to do so have come into effect. Officials said the government is considering extending the empanelment deadline. The Delhi Fire Service (Amendment) Rules, 2025, notified on May 26, allow empanelled private auditors to inspect buildings and issue or renew fire safety certificates. The rules came into force immediately, while third-party audit provisions were to become operational 90 days later. Delhi chief fire officer AK Malik told HT, "There have been no suitable applicants." A government official said the DFS had moved a file seeking an extension. "The file is under consideration. A handful of applications have been received, but they have been found inadequate," the official said, asking not to be named. Another official said the DFS is no longer empowered to inspect buildings and issue or renew certificates and is processing applications received until August 24. Delhi home minister Ashish Sood, meanwhile, said the matter was being examined. Officials attributed the lack of interest to potential liability. "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 second official told HT, requesting anonymity....