The Delhi High Court, while hearing a Public Interest Litigation filed by Indraprastha Renaissance Trust following the September 6 Satya Niketan building collapse, has sought legal assistance on the statutory framework governing structural audits and building safety in Delhi.
The PIL has been filed under Article 226 seeking formulation and implementation of a comprehensive, time-bound policy for structural and fire safety of buildings used by the general public in Delhi. The petition arises from the collapse of an approximately 50-year-old five-storey building being used as a boys’ PG accommodation at Satya Niketan, which resulted in the death of seven persons.
During the hearing, the Court asked the petitioner to assist it on the applicable statutory scheme, including whether there is a legal requirement for structural audits of buildings and the relevant provisions under the planning/building laws. The Court indicated that it wanted assistance on the legal framework before proceeding further with the issues raised in the PIL.
The petition seeks directions for an independent and time-bound inquiry into the Satya Niketan collapse, including examination of the building’s construction, sanctioned use, structural condition, inspection history, permissions, safety and fire-safety compliance and any unauthorised construction or regulatory lapse. It also seeks fixation of responsibility and consequential action against those found responsible.
The Court has sought further assistance on the legal framework, with the matter to be taken up on October 28, 2026.