New Delhi, September 7: The Delhi High Court has directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to conduct a high-level inquiry into the collapse of a building in Satya Niketan and determine whether the structure was constructed and being used with all requisite permissions.
Taking serious note of the incident, the court has also ordered the MCD to undertake a comprehensive inspection and audit of all paying guest (PG) accommodations and hostels under its jurisdiction within one week.
The court said the inquiry into the collapsed building must ascertain whether all mandatory permissions had been obtained and identify officials responsible for any lapses or failures on the part of the authorities. It also directed the MCD to specify the action proposed or taken against those found responsible.
The directions came amid concerns over the safety of students staying in private PG accommodations and hostels, particularly in areas around Delhi University, where a large number of students from outside the national capital depend on private accommodation due to limited hostel facilities.
The court noted that several students were residing in the collapsed building and said the incident raised broader concerns about the safety and security of students as well as the regulatory framework governing private hostels and PG accommodations.
As part of the inspection, the MCD has been asked to verify whether PG accommodations are operating with the required permissions and in compliance with applicable building bye-laws. It has also been directed to ascertain the number of students residing in each such facility.
The court further sought details on whether a specific regulatory framework exists for PG accommodations and private hostels. It observed that responsibility for ensuring safety cannot rest solely with building owners and that statutory authorities also have a duty to enforce construction and safety norms.
The court remarked that such incidents might have been avoided if the authorities had properly discharged their statutory responsibilities.
Delhi University has also been asked to furnish details of the number of outstation students enrolled with the university and the hostel facilities available to accommodate them. The court orally expressed concern over the shortage of hostel accommodation, noting that many students are consequently forced to depend on private PG facilities.
During the hearing, the court also raised concerns over alleged unauthorised and unsafe construction by some PG operators. It observed that buildings originally permitted for two floors are sometimes extended by several additional floors without corresponding changes to the foundation, potentially creating serious safety hazards.
The court stressed the need for an effective regulatory mechanism to govern PG accommodations and private hostels.
It also took note of assurances from the MCD and Delhi Police that all possible measures were being taken and rescue operations were underway. The court expressed hope that rescue efforts would be intensified further.
The Solicitor General 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 10 days.
The directions came a day after a multi-storey PG building in Satya Niketan, a prominent student accommodation hub near Delhi University's South Campus, collapsed, prompting a major rescue operation and raising questions over construction standards and safety compliance.
Separately, a PIL filed before the High Court has sought an independent investigation and a comprehensive structural and safety audit of PGs, hostels and other student accommodation facilities across Delhi.
