Supreme Court Forms Special IIT Team to Survey Illegal Buildings After Collapse

The Supreme Court on Thursday took a stern view of the failure of municipal authorities in Delhi, Gurugram, Lucknow, Patna and Tamil Nadu to address illegal constructions that endanger public safety. The court ordered the constitution of a special team to conduct a time-bound survey of unsafe buildings in several areas.

A bench of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R Mahadevan was hearing a matter related to illegal constructions and the recent collapse of a building in Delhi’s Saket area, as well as fire incidents in Malviya Nagar and Lucknow’s Aliganj. The court expressed concern that such incidents could have been prevented if authorities had acted promptly.

The court directed that a special team comprising two senior professors from IIT Delhi and two draftsmen be formed to carry out a ground survey of Saket, Malviya Nagar and Lajpat Nagar in Delhi. The survey aims to identify all illegal and unsafe structures that pose a risk to residents and passers-by.

“We make it clear that there should be no slackness with regard to the committee giving an honest report. If any doubt is raised, we may send a special team from this Court to ensure the honesty of the report,” the bench said. The court’s warning underscores its determination to ensure that the survey is conducted with integrity and without bureaucratic delays.

The bench also warned that accountability would be fixed if the authorities failed to take necessary action. “We indicate that if, on the next date, we find that no action has been taken, straightaway responsibility would be fixed upon the CEO of the said authority,” the court added.

The court agreed with the submission of the amicus curiae that authorities were adopting a “face-saving approach” by arresting only builders after building collapses and fire incidents, while taking no action against officials who failed to curb illegal constructions. The court therefore directed the authorities to disclose in their reports the names of senior officials responsible for such failures.

In its earlier order dated May 20, the court had directed the authorities to take “immediate and effective measures”, including sealing and demolition, against illegal and unauthorised constructions identified during surveys. It had also directed them to disclose the action taken through affidavits personally affirmed by the heads of the authorities concerned.

The court directed the officials concerned to remain physically present before it on the next date of hearing, August 4. The reports from the special team and from the municipal authorities are expected to be submitted by then.

The Supreme Court’s intervention highlights the growing concern over unsafe buildings in Indian cities. Illegal constructions often bypass safety norms, leading to tragic accidents. The court’s order aims to ensure that authorities take proactive steps to identify and remove such hazards, and that those responsible for negligence are held accountable.