The Delhi High Court on Monday (September 7) expressed serious concern over the safety of students living in paying guest (PG) accommodations and hostels
after the deadly building collapse in Satya Niketan. The court said the responsibility for the safety of students does not lie only with building owners, but also with authorities such as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and Delhi University (DU). Calling the Satya Niketan building collapse “most unfortunate”, the court said that if authorities had been aware of their statutory duties, such incidents could possibly have been avoided. The court also asked authorities to step up rescue efforts and said every possible effort should be made to save human lives. The MCD and Delhi Police told the court that all possible steps were being taken as part of the rescue operation.
HC Questions Safety Of Students In PGs, Hostels
The court further raised concerns over the shortage of hostels for Delhi University students, saying this forces many students from outside Delhi to depend on private PGs and rented accommodation.
The court said there must be a proper regulatory system for PGs and orally observed that some owners recklessly carry out illegal construction. It also pointed out that buildings allowed for two floors are sometimes extended up to six floors while continuing to use the same foundation.
The High Court directed the MCD to conduct an audit of PGs and hostels within one week. It also asked the civic body to explain whether there is any regulatory framework in place for PG accommodations.
High Court Seeks Details From MCD, Delhi University
The court sought details about valid permissions for such buildings and asked authorities to identify which department or authority is responsible for any lapses.
Delhi University was directed to provide details of students coming from outside Delhi and information about the hostel facilities available to them.
The court also took note of the assurance given by the MCD and Delhi Police that all possible steps were being taken during the rescue operation. It expressed hope that rescue efforts would be doubled.
The authorities have been asked to file an affidavit before the court within 10 days.
The Satya Niketan building, which was being used as a PG for students, collapsed on Sunday afternoon. Seven people were killed in the incident, while several others were rescued and taken to hospitals. The collapse has since raised questions over the safety of student accommodations and possible violations in the building.
