The Delhi High Court on Monday heard a public interest litigation concerning the collapse of two buildings being used as paying guest (PG) accommodations in Satya Niketan, an incident in which several students were killed, and others were feared trapped under the debris.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia took note of the incident and the ongoing rescue operations. The Court was informed that seven deaths had been reported so far, while several students residing in the buildings had been affected by the collapse.
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Solicitor General Tushar Mehta & Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, appearing for the Union of India, Delhi Police and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, assured the Court that the authorities would leave no stone unturned in the rescue operations and would take all necessary decisions in the interest of those affected.
The Bench, however, expressed concern over the recurring incidents involving unsafe buildings and questioned the regulatory framework governing PG accommodations. The Court observed that if authorities could regulate other forms of accommodation, there was a need to examine why PG establishments could not similarly be subjected to effective regulation.
The Court indicated that a regulatory mechanism should address issues including mandatory registration before commencement of a PG, inspection of the building, adequate accommodation, air and light, sanitation and periodic inspections.
The Bench also expressed concern over the recurrence of such incidents, observing that such tragedies result in the loss of innocent lives. The Court also directed that the appearances of the concerned authorities be placed on record, with counsel appearing for the MCD, Delhi Police, Union of India and other respondents.
The PIL was filed in the wake of the Satya Niketan building collapse, with the Court examining not only the immediate rescue response but also the broader issue of safety and regulation of PG accommodations.
The matter is listed for September 25, 2026.