A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been submitted to the Delhi High Court, requesting the establishment of a dedicated system to oversee the safety and well-being of students residing in paying guest (PG) facilities, rented accommodations, and private hostels in the city. This legal move follows the tragic building collapse in Satya Niketan on September 6, which resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, including five students. The PIL was filed by Shivansh Kalia, a second-year student from PGDAV College, University of Delhi, via advocate Ashu Bidhuri.

The legal petition highlights the need for immediate action in light of the Satya Niketan incident, where a structure used as a private boys’ hostel caved in. Reports indicating dubious construction and renovation work prior to the collapse have raised significant concerns about safety standards and compliance with building regulations.

Amidst the aftermath, the Delhi High Court noted during proceedings on September 7 that the accountability for such incidents extends beyond the PG owner to include university officials and local municipal authorities, who are obliged to enforce building codes.

Proposed Mechanisms for Student Safety

This new PIL aims to address these issues by proposing the formation of Student Accommodation Advisory and Monitoring Committees at various levels, including college and university. The petitioner contends that existing responsibilities are unfocused and scattered among authorities such as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the Delhi Fire Services, and educational institutions. Students allegedly lack a single point of contact for lodging safety complaints regarding their accommodation.

To enhance safety, the petitioner suggests that the new committees include a 24×7 helpline, a dedicated email, and an online grievance portal for students. These resources are intended for reporting structural, electrical, and fire hazards, as well as issues related to overcrowding and harassment.

Additionally, the proposed committees would be responsible for periodic inspections of PG accommodations, collaborating with competent authorities to assess structural and fire safety, and identifying unsafe premises for appropriate action. The petition also advocates the creation of a voluntary database of students living in private rentals, which would aid in emergency responses while respecting data protection regulations.

Organisational Structure and Recommendations

At the college level, the proposed committees would include members from the college administration, students, police, district administration, MCD, and civil society. For universities, the plan includes contributions from senior university officials, police, and student representatives. Similar structures are suggested for major coaching hubs that cater to the student population.

The petition highlights the necessity for safer and more affordable institutional accommodation and recommends that these committees advocate for enhancing the capacity of university hostels. This approach is particularly pertinent given the high demand for student housing in Delhi.

As part of the interim relief sought, the petitioner has requested immediate action to create a nodal mechanism for managing student complaints and facilitating coordination among various authorities. This includes urgent safety assessments of private accommodations where students reside, especially in areas of high educational activity.

The legal action names multiple respondents, including the Government of NCT of Delhi, MCD, Delhi Police, GGSIP University, Delhi University, and other significant educational institutions. Ultimately, the plea calls for the formation of the proposed committees and the development of a comprehensive framework to ensure student residences meet safety, hygiene, and security standards.

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