Hearing a matter related to illegal constructions, a bench of Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice Sheel Nagu expressed serious concern over recent fire incidents and building collapses, including the deadly hotel fire in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar, the Lucknow commercial complex fire, and the Saket building collapse.
The court questioned authorities over the lack of action and said, “We hoped that the officials would take action, but nothing happened.”
The Supreme Court criticised what it described as “face-saving” measures by authorities after major incidents, stating that only builders and other private individuals were being arrested while officials responsible for areas witnessing widespread violations were not being held accountable.
“Only builders, etc. are being apprehended and not the officials who are in charge of areas where rampant violations have happened,” the court observed.
Referring to the June 3 fire at a hotel in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar, which claimed the lives of 21 people, the court expressed concern over the conduct of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and said it was troubled by the civic body’s actions.
The bench sought details of the action taken against South Delhi civic officials following the Malviya Nagar fire and questioned the authorities regarding compliance with safety regulations.
The Supreme Court directed a comprehensive survey of Lajpat Nagar, Saket, and Sarojini Nagar in Delhi and ordered the formation of an expert committee to inspect the areas.
The court directed that the committee would include two senior professors from the Civil Department of IIT Delhi and two draftsmen from IIT Delhi. The team will conduct inspections along with Municipal Corporation of Delhi officials and the amicus curiae. The committee has been asked to submit its report to the Supreme Court.
A similar survey was ordered for the Aliganj area in Lucknow, where a fire at a commercial complex on June 22 resulted in the deaths of 15 people.
The Supreme Court also took note of media reports stating that 93% of buildings in Gurugram had failed fire safety audits and sought details from authorities regarding corrective measures.
The court directed the heads of civic bodies in Delhi, Gurugram, and Lucknow to personally appear before it and provide information on the steps taken to address safety violations.
Highlighting the “blatant violation of municipal law by authorities and illegal use of properties and land,” the court referred to its May 20 order, through which it had issued directions to authorities regarding safety standards.
The bench expressed concern that several incidents occurred in the National Capital Region and other areas even after the May 20 order. The court noted that specific directions had already been issued to authorities but sought an explanation on the action taken after those instructions.
The Supreme Court further observed that despite directions from the High Court prohibiting construction in certain areas, large-scale illegal construction continued with alleged involvement of Municipal Corporation of Delhi officials.
The court’s warning has intensified scrutiny of civic authorities, placing accountability for illegal constructions and fire safety failures at the centre of judicial proceedings.
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