Delhi High Court orders high-level MCD inquiry into Satya Niketan building collapse

The Delhi High Court has ordered the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to conduct a high-level inquiry into the collapse of a building in Satya Niketan, calling the incident “unfortunate.”

The inquiry must establish whether the building had been constructed with valid and required permissions. It must also identify officials responsible for any failure or lapse by the authorities and set out the action proposed or taken against those found responsible.

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Unfortunate

The court gave the MCD one week to carry out a comprehensive inspection of all paying guest accommodations within its jurisdiction. Officials must check whether the premises comply with applicable permissions and building regulations, and determine how many students live in each accommodation.

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Could have been avoided if authorities had remained vigilant and discharged the statutory duties cast upon them with due diligence.

The court said the incident could, prima facie, have been avoided if authorities had remained vigilant and properly performed their statutory duties. It also asked the MCD to file an affidavit on whether Delhi has statutory or executive rules governing PG accommodations and hotels.

Delhi University must submit information on the number of outstation students enrolled in its affiliated colleges and the number of hostels operated by the university or government. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that the authorities would leave no stone unturned in rescue operations and were monitoring the situation. The next hearing is scheduled for September 25.

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We would not leave any stone unturned in the rescue operations.