Satya Niketan collapse: Delhi HC pulls up govt, DU over student safety
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK New Delhi, September 7: The Delhi High Court on Monday termed the Satya Niketan building collapse that left…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
New Delhi, September 7: The Delhi High Court on Monday termed the Satya Niketan building collapse that left seven people dead and several injured as “most unfortunate” and questioned the Delhi government and Delhi University over the lack of adequate accommodation for students.
A Bench headed by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia said responsibility for such a tragedy could not rest only with the building owners, pointing to the role of civic authorities and the university as well.
The court directed the authorities to intensify rescue operations to ensure that those trapped under the debris could be saved.
During the hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL), the court expressed concern over the plight of young students living in private paying guest (PG) accommodation because of inadequate hostel facilities.
“You can’t escape responsibility,” the court observed, stressing that many young students were still feared trapped under the debris.
The Bench also questioned the Delhi government on steps being taken to prevent similar incidents, observing that such tragedies had repeatedly occurred in the national capital.
Court raises concerns over PG accommodation
The court asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to convey to the government the need to provide adequate hostel facilities for students.
It also expressed concern over the condition and regulation of private PG accommodation, observing that unauthorised construction and violations of approved building plans could contribute to such collapses.
The court said universities and governments were investing in the future of young people and should ensure that students had safe and adequate accommodation.
Government assures court of rescue efforts
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, Delhi government, Delhi Police and the MCD, told the court that all possible steps were being taken to rescue those trapped under the rubble.
He said the authorities were closely monitoring the situation and assured the Bench that decisions would be taken in the interest of all concerned.
Mehta also raised concerns over videos circulating online showing injured or trapped persons at the site, stressing that the tragedy should not be sensationalised.
Replies sought within 10 days
The High Court directed the authorities to file their separate replies to the PIL within 10 days and listed the matter for further hearing on September 25.
The Satya Niketan building, which housed a boys’ PG accommodation near Delhi University’s South Campus, collapsed on Sunday while repair work was underway.
