New Delhi: Delhi PG building plans have come under intense scrutiny after the Delhi High Court questioned authorities about thousands of paying guest (PG) accommodations operating without verified sanctioned building plans.
The court raised concerns following the collapse of a PG building in Delhi’s Satya Niketan area and sought accountability from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
The High Court also asked the government to clarify the regulatory framework governing PG accommodations and permitted former Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi to address the court in the matter.
Satya Niketan Building Collapse: Why Delhi High Court Raised Concerns
The Delhi High Court was hearing a group of petitions related to the collapse of a PG building in Satya Niketan on September 6. A bench headed by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia questioned MCD over the large number of PG buildings whose approved building plans could not be verified.
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According to information presented before the court, MCD surveyed 2,453 PG buildings across Delhi. However, sanctioned building plans could be traced for only 730 buildings. The court noted that this means building plans were unavailable for nearly two-thirds of the surveyed PG properties.
Satya Niketan Building Collapse: Court Questions Existing PG Regulatory Framework
The High Court did not limit its concerns to missing building plans. The judges also questioned whether Delhi has an adequate regulatory mechanism for monitoring PG accommodations.
The bench observed that MCD’s affidavit mainly referred to provisions of the Master Plan and sought greater clarity regarding the legal framework governing PG operations. The court asked authorities when action would be taken against buildings where sanctioned plans were unavailable.
MCD Explains Ongoing Satya Niketan Building Collapse Investigation
During the hearing, MCD informed the court that officials were trying to locate sanctioned building plans from old records. Authorities have also asked property owners to submit copies of approved plans where available.
The Solicitor General informed the court that some of the buildings are 50 to 60 years old, making the verification process more difficult. However, the court stressed the need for clear timelines and enforcement measures.
Large-Scale Action Taken By MCD
According to MCD’s compliance affidavit, significant enforcement action has already been carried out between September 6 and September 23.
Enforcement Actions Reported
- 543 properties demolished
- 178 properties sealed
- 354 show-cause notices issued for unauthorized construction
- 205 sealing show-cause notices issued
- 98 demolition orders passed
The court sought clarification on whether these actions specifically related to PG buildings or were part of broader enforcement efforts across Delhi. Officials clarified that the figures represented general enforcement activity.
Survey Reveals Thousands Of PG Buildings
The MCD survey identified 2,453 PG buildings containing approximately 32,247 rooms. These buildings have an estimated occupancy of more than 50,000 residents. The survey also revealed that only 730 sanctioned building plans could be verified from currently available records.
Structural Safety Findings
According to the affidavit:
- 2,342 buildings were found visibly safe.
- 91 buildings required repairs.
- 30 buildings required major repairs.
- 4 buildings were categorized as dangerous.
Authorities also identified several structures requiring continuous monitoring due to safety concerns.
High Power Committee To Frame New Rules
The Delhi government informed the court that a High Power Committee on Student Accommodation and Safety is examining the issue. The committee is expected to help create a regulatory framework for PG accommodations and private student hostels.
The Department of Training and Technical Education and the Department of Higher Education will jointly work on preparing the framework. The court sought details on when the committee would meet and how quickly recommendations could be implemented.
MCD Inspects Nearby Properties
After the collapse, MCD inspected around 300 properties in Satya Niketan. Officials found PG accommodations operating in 101 properties. Three properties were declared dangerous and notices were issued. Ten additional properties were identified as vulnerable and requiring major repairs. Property owners were directed to obtain structural audits from experts at IIT Delhi or DTU.
Officials Suspended After Incident
MCD informed the court that five officials from different levels of supervision were suspended on September 7 as an immediate administrative action. The suspended officials included:
- Deputy Commissioner
- Superintending Engineer
- Executive Engineer
- Assistant Engineer
- Junior Engineer
A separate Magisterial Inquiry has also been launched to examine the circumstances surrounding the collapse.
Court Questions Delhi University On Student Accommodation
The bench also expressed dissatisfaction with an affidavit submitted by Delhi University. The court questioned why the document had been filed at the last moment.
After reviewing the affidavit, the judges described it as vague and sought specific details about measures taken to address student accommodation challenges. The court was informed that only 5,698 students currently receive hostel accommodation.
Satya Niketan Building Collapse: Kiran Bedi Allowed To Address Court
The High Court also considered an intervention application filed by former Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi. Although concerns were raised regarding multiple intervention requests in the case, the court permitted Bedi to address it during the next hearing. The bench directed that all future pleadings in the matter should also be shared with her.
What Happens Next
The Delhi High Court has directed that replies to the affidavits be filed within 10 days. The matter is expected to be taken up again after 15 days. The upcoming hearing could play an important role in shaping future regulations for PG accommodations and student housing in Delhi.
FAQs
The survey identified 2,453 PG buildings with over 32,000 rooms and an estimated occupancy of more than 50,000 people.
The court found that sanctioned building plans could be verified for only 730 out of 2,453 surveyed PG buildings, raising concerns about safety and compliance.
MCD conducted inspections, suspended five officials, initiated a Magisterial Inquiry, and identified several buildings requiring repairs or safety audits.
