Satya Niketan tragedy: Supreme Court may examine building safety, construction violations across India

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it was considering examining building safety and violations of construction norms on a pan-India basis in the wake of the five-storey building collapse at Delhi's Satya Niketan that claimed seven lives.

A bench of justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R Mahadevan took stock of the tragedy while hearing a plea concerning violations of building bye-laws and unauthorised constructions. The bench indicated it may transfer to itself proceedings pending before the Delhi High Court in connection with the Satya Niketan incident.

"We already have something in mind. It has to be on a pan-India basis. We may get it transferred here. We will take it day after tomorrow," the SC observed.


Appearing on behalf of Delhi government, SG Tushar Mehta brought to the court's attention the proceedings before HC and its concerns regarding safety standards and regulatory lapses involving paying guest accommodations. The apex court, however, indicated that the issues may warrant consideration beyond the individual incident in Delhi.

Suggesting that the matter pending before the Delhi HC be transferred to the top court, Mehta said, "It is a horrific incident. Our hearts go out to the children and parents. A PIL has been filed in the Delhi High Court. We can file a transfer petition, but I am pointing out the order that was passed (by the Delhi High Court)."