The Delhi High Court on Wednesday observed that the Satya Niketan paying guest (PG) building collapse, which claimed seven lives, was the result of “callous and criminal conduct.”
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia made the observation while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Aakarshak Danveer Rathi concerning the incident.
Referring to a news report about four students who died in the collapse, the Bench called the incident extraordinary, stating that young students from small towns came to the capital full of hope, only to have their futures shattered by callous and criminal neglect.
The Bench also highlighted the longstanding shortage of hostel accommodation in Delhi, noting that students have been coming to the national capital for higher education for decades.
The Court highlighted Delhi’s long-standing hostel crisis, pointing out that students have been coming to the city for over two decades to build their careers, only to face tragic outcomes due to poor housing conditions.
The Bench said it would hear the matter on September 25, when other petitions concerning the incident are also listed.
The building in Satya Niketan, near Delhi University’s South Campus, collapsed on September 6 while repair work was underway. The premises were being used as a PG accommodation for male students. Students and workers were among those who lost their lives. The High Court is already hearing a PIL seeking compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of the victims, along with directions for a structural audit of PG accommodations and hostels.
Another PIL before the Court seeks directions to ensure that all colleges affiliated with Delhi University provide hostel facilities for their students.
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