Supreme Court Evaluates Building Safety on a National Scale
In a recent development, the Supreme Court of India is contemplating a comprehensive review of building safety protocols nationwide. This decision follows the tragic collapse of a building in the Satya Niketan area of Delhi, which claimed the lives of seven individuals. The Court’s move indicates an intention to address structural safety issues across India.
The judicial bench, comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R Mahadevan, suggested the possibility of transferring the ongoing case regarding the Satya Niketan incident from the Delhi High Court to the Supreme Court. “We already have something in mind. It has to be on a pan-India basis. We may get it (petition before Delhi High Court) transferred here. We will take it day after tomorrow,” remarked Justice Amanullah.
Urgent Plea for Safety Audits
The discussion was initiated after Senior Advocate Ajit Kumar Sinha, appointed as Amicus Curiae by the Court, presented a plea. The plea seeks urgent directives for conducting safety inspections and audits of private paying guest accommodations, hostels, and other student housing facilities across Delhi.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Sinha stated, “In view of the recent tragic incident, it is a very serious issue. We have inspected, completed, and the last inspection is today at 2:30 pm.”
Call for Case Transfer to Supreme Court
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta proposed that a similar matter pending before the Delhi High Court be transferred to the Supreme Court. “It is a horrific incident. Our hearts go out to the children and parents. A PIL has been filed in the Delhi High Court. We can file a transfer petition, but I am pointing out the order that was passed,” SG Mehta stated.
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The building collapse on September 6 occurred at a boys’ PG near Delhi University’s South Campus during ongoing repair work. The incident has emphasized the need for stringent safety checks and regulatory compliance.
Judicial Concerns Over Unsafe Buildings
Justice Amanullah, who is also presiding over a broader case concerning illegal constructions and unsafe buildings in the Delhi-NCR region, expressed concern over the failure of civic authorities to address these issues. The Court had previously directed a time-bound ground survey in the aftermath of the Saket building collapse and the Malviya Nagar hotel fire, involving IIT Delhi professors, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) officials, and the Amicus Curiae.
The survey aimed to identify unauthorized and dangerous structures, with the Court warning that officials could face personal accountability for inaction on building violations.
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Delhi High Court’s Parallel Inquiry
Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court has instructed the MCD to conduct a high-level inquiry into the Satya Niketan building collapse, examining the validity of construction permissions and identifying any official oversights. The High Court has also noted the proliferation of unsafe PG accommodations and a lack of institutional hostel facilities for students, often resulting in construction violations by PG owners.
This public interest litigation (PIL) is anticipated to be transferred to the Supreme Court for further proceedings.
