SC mulls pan-India safety regulations for student hostels, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• The Supreme Court is considering expanding its oversight to establish pan-India safety regulations for student accommodations.
• This move follows the recent collapse of an illegally constructed building used as a paying guest (PG) facility in Delhi, which resulted in seven fatalities.
• An amicus curiae appointed by the court has called for a time-bound safety audit of PG facilities and private hostels across Delhi.
• The Supreme Court indicated it might transfer proceedings from the Delhi High Court regarding the incident to ensure a comprehensive, nationwide approach.

Detailed Insights:

• The recent building collapse in Satya Niketan, Delhi, highlighted serious concerns about existing mechanisms for inspecting buildings and enforcing building bylaws.
• The Supreme Court's consideration stems from ongoing proceedings related to construction violations in Tamil Nadu, which were previously expanded to include several state capitals.
• The amicus curiae's report emphasized that many PG facilities and private hostels operate in residential properties with unauthorized additions, posing significant risks.
• Hostels in India are classified as institutional residential buildings under the National Building Code of India (NBC), requiring specific safety and occupancy standards.
• The incident underscores broader issues of weak municipal enforcement, lack of regular structural audits, and rapid unplanned urbanization contributing to unsafe infrastructure.
• The Delhi High Court had initiated its own inquiry into the Satya Niketan tragedy and ordered safety inspections of PG facilities under the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

Key Concepts Involved:

• Amicus Curiae: A "friend of the court" who is not a party to a case but offers information, expertise, or insight to assist the court.
• Building Bylaws: Rules and regulations established by local authorities governing the design, construction, and maintenance of buildings to ensure safety and proper urban planning.
• National Building Code of India (NBC): A comprehensive set of guidelines and standards for building construction, design, and maintenance in India, focusing on safety, health, and structural integrity.