The Supreme Court announced on Tuesday that it will take up matters concerning the fatal building collapse in south Delhi’s Satya Niketan on September 10, indicating that it may transfer the proceedings currently before the Delhi High Court to itself.
A bench comprising Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice R. Mahadevan observed that the collapse raises serious issues that overlap with an ongoing pan-India matter before the apex court concerning unauthorized construction in residential areas, fire safety violations, and the unlawful conversion of residential spaces into commercial establishments. The bench noted that it had specific measures under consideration and scheduled the matter for Thursday.
The apex court was urged to intervene urgently by senior advocate Ajit Sinha, the court-appointed amicus curiae in the national unauthorized construction case. Sinha informed the bench that he had inspected the collapse site alongside a professor from the Indian Institute of Technology and officials from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, subsequently submitting a formal status report seeking immediate directions.
Appearing for the Delhi government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta placed on record the High Court’s Monday order and conveyed deep condolences to the affected families, describing the tragedy as deeply unfortunate. Mehta apprised the bench that the Delhi High Court was actively adjudicating a public interest litigation regarding the incident.
High Court Orders Inquiry Into Civic Lapses
On Monday, the Delhi High Court ordered a high-level Municipal Corporation of Delhi inquiry into the incident, ruling firmly that the government cannot avoid accountability. Characterizing the tragedy as most unfortunate, the High Court observed that such disasters stem directly from insufficient preventive measures and oversight by the municipal corporation and associated authorities.
Casualties And Administrative Action
The disaster occurred around 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, when a five-storey structure operating as a boys’ paying guest accommodation near Delhi University’s South Campus collapsed. Emergency personnel conducted a search and rescue operation lasting more than 27 hours, concluding on Monday with seven students confirmed dead and five others injured.
Following the collapse, law enforcement authorities arrested the building’s owner, his wife, and their son. In parallel disciplinary steps, five Municipal Corporation of Delhi officials were placed under suspension.
Police Dismiss Jammer Allegations At Disaster Site
Separately, the Delhi Police on Tuesday refuted allegations that mobile phone jammers were being used at the rescue location. In an official communication on X, police labeled the claims completely false, stating that mobile networks remained fully functional throughout the operation.
According to police officials, search teams from the Delhi Police, the National Disaster Response Force, and the fire department maintained continuous communication through mobile devices, while journalists and local citizens broadcast live reports from the scene without cellular disruption.
