Delhi HC orders MCD to probe building collapse
In Short
Seeks audit of PG hostels
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Delhi High Court
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to conduct an inquiry at the highest executive level into the collapse of a building in Satya Niketan and examine whether the structure had been constructed and operated with valid permissions.
Taking serious note of the incident, the court also directed the MCD to conduct a comprehensive audit of all paying guest (PG) accommodations and hostels under its jurisdiction within one week.
The court directed that the inquiry into the collapsed building should specifically examine whether all requisite permissions had been obtained, identify officials responsible for any lapse or failure on the part of the authorities and specify the action proposed or taken against those found responsible. The directions came amid concerns over the safety of students residing in private PG accommodations and hostels, particularly in areas around Delhi University, where a large number of outstation students depend on such facilities due to limited hostel accommodation. The court observed that the collapsed building housed several students, many of whom were from outside Delhi, and said the incident raised wider concerns over the safety and security of students and the regulatory framework governing private hostels and PG accommodations. As part of its directions, the court asked the MCD to inspect all PG accommodations falling under its jurisdiction within a week. The inspection will examine whether such premises are being operated in accordance with requisite permissions and applicable building bye-laws. The MCD has also been directed to ascertain the number of students residing in each PG accommodation.
The court further sought details regarding the existence of a regulatory framework specifically governing PG accommodations and private hostels. It observed that responsibility cannot rest solely with building owners and that the concerned authorities also have a statutory duty to ensure compliance with safety and construction norms.
