Delhi High Court Holds University and Municipal Bodies Accountable for Building Collapse

The recent collapse of a five-storey building in Delhi’s Satya Niketan area has drawn sharp criticism from the Delhi High Court, which has deemed the situation surrounding student accommodations as “very, very pathetic.” The court’s remarks came during a hearing related to a public interest litigation that sought an independent investigation into the tragic incident that resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, including five students.

Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya, along with Justice Tejas Karia, pointed out that the responsibility for the unfortunate collapse extends beyond the building’s owners, implicating Delhi University and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). The court underscored that the university has failed to provide adequate housing for its outstation students, forcing them into precarious private accommodations that lack proper oversight.

The ill-fated building, which served as a paying guest facility for students, succumbed to structural failure on a Sunday afternoon, coinciding with repair work purportedly taking place in the basement. Initial investigations indicated that the structure was between 40 to 50 years old, raising questions about the maintenance and regulatory compliance of such buildings in areas heavily populated by students.

During the proceedings, the court expressed its dismay over the lack of a regulatory framework for private paying guest accommodations, which have become a necessity for many students migrating to the capital for their studies. The Chief Justice emphasized the need for a system that ensures safety and standards in these living arrangements, as the current state of affairs is failing to protect vulnerable populations.

In response to the incident, the Delhi High Court directed the Municipal Corporation to conduct a thorough examination of the collapsed building and verify whether it had been constructed with the appropriate permissions. The court’s intervention reflects a growing concern regarding the safety of residential buildings in urban areas and the responsibilities of educational institutions in safeguarding their students.

Source: scroll.in