Delhi High Court labels Satya Niketan building collapse as criminal conduct

The Delhi High Court has characterized the collapse of a paying guest (PG) building in Satya Niketan as a result of ‘callous and criminal conduct.’ The incident, which occurred on September 6 near Delhi University’s South Campus, resulted in seven deaths, including four students who had moved from small towns to pursue higher education.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia noted that the tragedy was ‘not an ordinary incident of any mishap.’ The five-storey building, used as male student accommodation, collapsed during repair work.

The court is currently considering multiple public interest litigations (PILs). These include a petition seeking ₹1 crore in compensation for the victims' families and a demand for a structural audit of all PG accommodations and hostels. Another PIL seeks directions to ensure all colleges affiliated with Delhi University provide adequate hostel facilities to address the city's ongoing student housing crisis. The court is scheduled to hear the matter again on September 25.