Punjab Newsline | New Delhi
Delhi High Court on Monday expressed deep anguish over the tragic building collapse in Delhi’s Satya Niketan area, holding not only the building owner but also the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and Delhi University (DU) responsible for the incident.
The tragedy, which occurred on Sunday, claimed seven lives and left several others injured. A bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia took a strong view of the incident, observing that DU had failed to provide adequate hostel facilities for students coming from other states. The court said the shortage of accommodation forces students to stay in private paying guest (PG) facilities, some of which may not meet basic safety standards.
The court directed the authorities to make every possible effort to strengthen rescue operations and save people who may still be trapped under the debris.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, Delhi government, Delhi Police and MCD, assured the court that all possible measures were being taken to rescue those trapped. He said the government was closely monitoring the situation and would leave no stone unturned in the public interest.
The High Court was hearing a public interest litigation seeking action over the tragedy. It directed all concerned authorities to file separate affidavits within 10 days detailing the steps being taken in the matter. The case will next be heard on September 25.
MCD Ordered to Conduct Safety Audit
Taking a strict stance, the High Court directed the MCD to conduct a safety audit of all PG accommodations and hostels in Delhi within one week.
The court also made it clear that in cases involving accidents caused by unsafe buildings, responsibility cannot rest solely with property owners. Government departments and officials responsible for ensuring building safety may also be held accountable for lapses.
