Delhi High Court Orders Citywide PG Audit

A five-story building used as paying guest accommodation collapsed in Delhi's Satya Niketan area on Sunday afternoon, killing seven people, including five students, and prompting the Delhi High Court to order a citywide audit of such facilities. The court also held the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and Delhi University (DU) accountable, stating that responsibility for the tragedy extends beyond the building's owners. The collapse occurred while repair work was underway in the building's basement. The structure was reportedly 40 to 50 years old. In the aftermath, rescue operations concluded late Sunday evening, with twelve people pulled from the debris. The deceased were identified as seven individuals, including five students who were residing in the building, many of whom were from outside Delhi. During a hearing on Monday, a bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, while hearing a public interest litigation concerning the incident, directed the MCD to conduct a comprehensive audit of all paying guest accommodations and hostels within its jurisdiction within one week.