Politics · India · 3 hrs ago
Delhi High Court orders panel on dangerous buildings during demolition ban
The Delhi High Court directed the MCD to form a high-powered committee to address dangerous buildings in Delhi.
GRAP anti-pollution restrictions bar demolition work, leaving civic authorities unable to remove unsafe structures until February 10.
The court acted amid concern over risks to occupants, passers-by and nearby residents, after deadly building collapses in Satya Niketan and Chawri Bazaar.
The committee must consider alternatives such as sealing, repairs or controlled demolition while the restrictions remain in force.
The court said the MCD must take effective steps to protect people rather than rely only on inspections or notices.
The case is due back in court on January 20, and the committee is to be formed as soon as possible, preferably within a week.
The Delhi High Court directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to set up a committee to address dangerous buildings during restrictions on demolition under GRAP.
The committee is to consider alternatives including sealing, repairs or controlled demolition of buildings identified as unsafe.
The court said the risk to human life could not be left unaddressed until demolition restrictions end on February 10.
The order, passed on November 6, followed recent fatal building collapses in Satya Niketan and Chawri Bazaar.
- Who
- The Delhi High Court directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi commissioner to form a committee in consultation with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
- What
- The committee must devise ways to deal with dangerous buildings during GRAP demolition restrictions.
- When
- The order was passed on November 6, 2026. The committee should be formed preferably within a week.
- Where
- Delhi.
- Why
- Demolition is restricted under GRAP until February 10, while unsafe buildings pose risks to people.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A multi-storey building housing a boys’ paying guest accommodation at Satya Niketan collapsed during repair work, killing seven people and injuring several others.
The High Court ordered a high-level MCD inquiry into the Satya Niketan collapse.
A building collapse in Chawri Bazaar claimed at least seven lives.
The High Court ordered the MCD commissioner to form a committee to address dangerous buildings during GRAP restrictions.
The matter is listed for further hearing.
- Committee
- MCD commissioner to form it in consultation with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta
- Deadline
- Preferably within a week of the November 6 order
- GRAP restriction
- Demolition activities restricted until February 10
- Satya Niketan collapse
- Seven people killed on September 6
- Chawri Bazaar collapse
- At least seven people killed earlier in November
- Next hearing
- January 20
What people are saying
No doubt, the directions issued under GRAP cannot be disregarded; however, at the same time it cannot be ignored that the ongoing rampant unauthorised constructions within the jurisdiction of this Court have very serious repercussions and are endangering/ exposing human lives to an imminent but avoidable risk/ danger
The Commissioner, MCD in consultation with the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of NCT of Delhi, is directed to constitute a High-Powered Committee as expeditiously as possible, preferably, within the next week