Delhi HC Clears Signature View Apartments Demolition
Real Estate

Delhi HC Clears Signature View Apartments Demolition

The Delhi High Court has upheld the decision of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to declare Signature View Apartments ""dangerous and not fit for habitation,"" clearing the path for the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to demolish the unsafe structures. The court granted residents three months to vacate the premises while castigating DDA for its ""unpardonable delinquency and gross negligence"" that endangered lives.

Justice Mini Pushkarna, citing expert reports, stated that the pillars of the buildings had developed wide cracks, and steel bars were corroded, rendering the structures incapable of supporting their load. Despite repeated repair efforts, the apartments remained structurally unsafe. ""The persistent threat to life and well-being of the residents has been irrefutably highlighted,"" Justice Pushkarna remarked in the 145-page judgment.

The court underscored that incidents of collapsing ceilings and falling plaster were frequent, directly infringing on residents' constitutional rights to life and dignity under Article 21. It condemned the DDA's failure to address structural defects adequately, labeling the situation a stark example of official apathy.

While the court allowed the DDA to proceed with reconstruction post-demolition, it denied the agency permission to build 168 additional flats. Justice Pushkarna emphasized that the residents' rights over common areas, including green spaces, community zones, and natural light, must be preserved. The court noted that altering the original layout would compromise the residents' living conditions and property rights.

This case, termed ""one of its kind"" by the court, revealed shocking lapses in DDA's oversight, highlighting the critical need for accountability in urban housing projects.

Your next big infra connection is waiting at RAHSTA 2025 – Asia’s Biggest Roads & Highways Expo, Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. Don’t miss out!

The Delhi High Court has upheld the decision of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to declare Signature View Apartments dangerous and not fit for habitation, clearing the path for the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to demolish the unsafe structures. The court granted residents three months to vacate the premises while castigating DDA for its unpardonable delinquency and gross negligence that endangered lives.Justice Mini Pushkarna, citing expert reports, stated that the pillars of the buildings had developed wide cracks, and steel bars were corroded, rendering the structures incapable of supporting their load. Despite repeated repair efforts, the apartments remained structurally unsafe. The persistent threat to life and well-being of the residents has been irrefutably highlighted, Justice Pushkarna remarked in the 145-page judgment.The court underscored that incidents of collapsing ceilings and falling plaster were frequent, directly infringing on residents' constitutional rights to life and dignity under Article 21. It condemned the DDA's failure to address structural defects adequately, labeling the situation a stark example of official apathy.While the court allowed the DDA to proceed with reconstruction post-demolition, it denied the agency permission to build 168 additional flats. Justice Pushkarna emphasized that the residents' rights over common areas, including green spaces, community zones, and natural light, must be preserved. The court noted that altering the original layout would compromise the residents' living conditions and property rights.This case, termed one of its kind by the court, revealed shocking lapses in DDA's oversight, highlighting the critical need for accountability in urban housing projects.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Indian Railways Marks New Milestone with 4.5 km Long ‘Rudrastra’ Trial

Indian Railways has successfully conducted the trial run of Asia’s longest freight train, named ‘Rudrastra’, achieving a new milestone in cargo transportation, as per news reports. The 4.5 km-long train began its trial from Ganjkhwaja railway station in Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh, and travelled to Garhwa in Jharkhand. Covering a distance of 209 km in 5 hours and 10 minutes, it maintained an average speed of 40.5 km per hour. The train was formed by combining three long-haul racks, with ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

UltraTech Launches India’s First On-Site Hybrid RTC Renewable Energy Project

UltraTech Cement has operationalised a 7.5 MW round-the-clock (RTC) hybrid renewable energy project at its Sewagram Cement Works in Gujarat. The first-of-its-kind solution combines bifacial solar modules with trackers, wind energy and battery storage, co-located on-site, to ensure uninterrupted power for cement manufacturing without grid reliance. The project was executed in collaboration with clean energy solutions provider Gentari. Installed as a behind-the-meter system, it is the country..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Patna Metro Trials Successful, Red Line Priority Corridor to Launch This Month

Patna is set to roll out its first metro rail service later this month, with successful trial runs conducted on the Red Line priority corridor, the Patna Metro Rail Corporation announced.On 7 September, a metro train completed a test run between the Patna depot and Bhootnath station. Officials said the trials involved rigorous checks of rolling stock fitness, overhead electrification (OHE), and track alignment and stability to ensure operational safety and performance.The corridor from the New Pataliputra Bus Terminal to Bhoothnath has been designated as the priority stretch and will be the fi..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?