NEW DELHI: The Delhi high court on Monday termed the Satya Niketan building collapse that killed seven people and injured several others “most unfortunate”, and questioned not only the responsibility of the building owners but also that of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and Delhi University (DU), which it said had failed to provide adequate accommodation for outstation students dependent on private paying guest (PG) facilities.A bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia directed the authorities to intensify rescue efforts to save those who may still be trapped under the debris.
HC flags MCD, DU responsibility in Satya Niketan collapse
The court observed that responsibility for the tragedy did not rest solely with the owners of the collapsed building, news agency PTI reported.It also flagged the role of the MCD and DU, noting that inadequate accommodation facilities force students from outside Delhi to seek shelter in private PGs.The observations were made while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) concerning the building collapse.
Court asks authorities to step up rescue operations
The bench asked the authorities to “double up the efforts” in the rescue operations so that human lives could be saved.Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, Delhi government, Delhi Police and MCD, assured the court that all possible steps were being taken to rescue people trapped under the debris.He said the government was actively monitoring the situation and that some time was needed. Mehta assured the court that the authorities would take all decisions in the interest of everyone concerned and that no stone would be left unturned.
Authorities told to file replies within 10 days
The high court directed the authorities to file their separate replies to the petition within 10 days.The matter has been listed for further hearing on September 25.The PIL was mentioned for an urgent hearing, following which the court agreed to take it up on Monday itself.
Satya Niketan PG building collapsed during repair work
The building in Satya Niketan, near Delhi University’s South Campus, housed a boys’ paying-guest accommodation.It collapsed on Sunday while repair work was underway, leaving seven people dead and several others injured.(With agency inputs)
