Staff Reporter
The Delhi High Court has directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to conduct an inquiry at the highest executive level into the collapse of a building at Satya Niketan in National Capital and examine whether the structure had been constructed and operated with valid permissions.
Taking serious note of the incident, the court also directed the MCD to conduct a comprehensive audit of all paying guest (PG) accommodations and hostels under its jurisdiction within one week. The court directed that the inquiry into the collapsed building should specifically examine whether all requisite permissions had been obtained, identify officials responsible for any lapse or failure on the part of the authorities and specify the action proposed or taken against those found responsible.
The directions came amid concerns over the safety of students residing in private PG accommodations and hostels, particularly in areas around Delhi University, where a large number of outstation students depend on such facilities due to limited hostel accommodation.
As part of its directions, the court asked the MCD to inspect all PG accommodations falling under its jurisdiction within a week. The inspection will examine whether such premises are being operated in accordance with requisite permissions and applicable building bye-laws. The MCD has also been directed to ascertain the number of students residing in each PG accommodation.
The court further sought details regarding the existence of a regulatory framework specifically governing PG accommodations and private hostels. It observed that responsibility cannot rest solely with building owners and that the concerned authorities also have a statutory duty to ensure compliance with safety and construction norms.
The Delhi University has also been asked to provide details of the number of outstation students enrolled with it and the hostel facilities available to accommodate them.
During the hearing, the court also raised concerns over alleged reckless and unauthorised construction by some PG operators. It also took note of assurances given by the MCD and Delhi Police that all possible steps were being taken and rescue operations were underway. The court expressed hope that the rescue efforts would be further intensified.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who represented the Centre, the Delhi government, the Delhi Police and the MCD in the matter, assured the court that no stone would be left unturned in dealing with the incident. The High Court has directed the concerned authorities to place their responses and affidavits on record within ten days and listed the matter for further hearing on 25th of this month.
The court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the matter relating to the building collapse.
The directions come a day after a multi-storey PG building in Satya Niketan, a major student accommodation hub near Delhi University’s South Campus, collapsed, triggering a large-scale rescue operation and raising questions over construction and safety compliance.