The Supreme Court on Thursday said it would examine the wider issue of safety violations in Delhi’s residential areas, including the commercial use of properties designated for residential purposes, following the Satya Niketan building collapse in which seven people were killed.

While considering a report submitted by amicus curiae Ajit Sinha on the tragedy, the court said it would monitor issues related to non-conforming land use as well as safety standards in paying guest accommodations, private hostels and student housing.

Court Calls For Wider Examination Of Residential Safety

A bench comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R Mahadevan said the court’s scrutiny would extend beyond the specific Satya Niketan incident.

The court said it would focus particularly on cases involving the use of residential properties for commercial activities.

“We will give respite in the sense that we will focus on non-conforming users in residential areas. We will monitor that,” the court said.

The bench clarified that the proceedings would not be confined to particular localities in Delhi or to the situation in Lucknow.

The court also took note of steps already being taken by the Delhi government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi in connection with earlier incidents involving building collapses and fires in Delhi and Lucknow.

Safety Audits Recommended For PGs And Hostels

In his report, amicus curiae Ajit Sinha recommended time-bound safety inspections of all PG accommodations, private hostels and student housing facilities located near colleges and universities in Delhi.

The proposed inspections would examine approved building plans, construction, basements, land use, structural strength, fire safety measures and access routes.

Sinha also suggested that municipal authorities conduct a survey of buildings being used for PG accommodations, coaching centres and similar establishments.

He recommended that a report on the survey be submitted within a week, with particular attention given to illegal construction.

The amicus said the proposed exercise should not be restricted only to PG accommodations and that similar steps could also be considered in Lucknow.

Delhi Government And MCD Support Recommendations

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Delhi government and the MCD, supported the recommendations made in the amicus report.

The Supreme Court said the government’s assistance would be important in addressing the wider safety concerns.

“We will fail without assistance from you. We are on the same side,” the court told the Solicitor General.

The bench also made it clear that the proceedings were not being treated as an adversarial matter.

Delhi High Court To Continue Monitoring Satya Niketan Case

The amicus had suggested transferring the matter pending before the Delhi High Court to the Supreme Court.

However, the Supreme Court declined to disturb the High Court proceedings and asked the Delhi High Court to continue monitoring the Satya Niketan case and bring it to a conclusion.

“We do not wish to disturb the case before the High Court,” the bench said.

The Supreme Court also directed the parties to file their respective reports in connection with the proceedings.

The matter will next be heard on September 15, when the court is expected to consider the reports filed by the concerned parties.

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