Delhi High Court Questions Allegations of Trapped Individuals in Building Collapse
The Delhi High Court expressed skepticism on Monday regarding a petition that suggested individuals might still be trapped under the debris of the Satya Niketan building, which collapsed on September 6, resulting in the tragic loss of seven lives. The urgent listing of this plea was brought before a bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia.
The petitioner asserted that the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) had conducted a demolition of an adjacent structure to the ill-fated Satya Niketan building without adequately clearing the debris, potentially leaving victims trapped within. However, the court questioned the urgency of the matter and sought clarification on the source of the petitioner’s information.
In a pointed inquiry, Chief Justice Upadhyaya asked, “What is your source of information that there are people below the debris? How do you know?” The court emphasized the likelihood that the authorities had carried out a technical audit prior to undertaking the demolition of the neighboring building.
Chief Justice Upadhyaya advised the petitioner to formally submit the plea, indicating that it would be automatically listed, and questioned the necessity of immediate action. “They must have conducted some type of technical audit before deciding to demolish. File it, it will be auto-listed tomorrow. What is so urgent?” the court remarked.
Background and Ongoing Litigations
The collapse of the Satya Niketan building, located near Delhi University’s South Campus, occurred during repair work and served as a boys’ paying guest accommodation prior to the incident. Among the fatalities were students and workers.
More Read
The Delhi High Court is already engaged with a public interest litigation (PIL) that seeks ₹1 crore in compensation for the families of the victims and demands a structural audit of all paying guest accommodations and hostels. In addition, the court is considering another PIL aiming to ensure that every college affiliated with Delhi University provides hostel facilities for its students.
