The Delhi High Court has issued notices to the Union Government, Delhi Government and Delhi University over a plea seeking safe and affordable hostel facilities for DU students. The public interest litigation calls for a time-bound policy to increase institutional hostel capacity across Delhi University colleges. The plea was filed after the recent Satya Niketan building collapse, which killed seven people and highlighted concerns over student accommodation. It also seeks safety audits of private paying guest facilities and student hostels near DU colleges. The court has listed the matter for September 25, when another PIL linked to the Satya Niketan collapse will also be heard.Why Did The Court Issue Notices?The plea argues that a shortage of institutional accommodation is forcing many DU students, especially those coming from outside Delhi, to depend on private PGs, rented rooms and shared flats. The petitioner has sought a comprehensive assessment of hostel capacity and student housing requirements across DU colleges.The petition also asks authorities to prepare a time-bound Hostel Development Policy or Master Plan to create more safe, affordable and accessible accommodation for students.Notices were issued to the Union Government, Delhi Government and DU.The plea seeks a university-wide assessment of hostel requirements.It asks for a time-bound Hostel Development Policy.Safety and fire audits of private PGs have also been sought.The next hearing is scheduled for September 25.Satya Niketan Collapse Raises ConcernsThe PIL comes days after a five-storey building being used as PG accommodation collapsed in Satya Niketan near Delhi University's South Campus. Seven people were killed and several others were injured in the incident.The tragedy has brought renewed attention to the shortage of affordable institutional housing for students. During an earlier hearing related to the collapse, the High Court had also raised concerns about inadequate hostel capacity and the safety of students living in private accommodation.The petition states that the problem affects students across DU rather than being limited to North or South Campus. It also points to concerns faced by students from economically weaker backgrounds and those coming to Delhi from other parts of the country.Also Read: MCD PG Survey Finds 3 Dangerous Buildings After Satya Niketan TragedyPlea Seeks Wider Hostel DevelopmentThe petitioner has suggested expanding hostels in colleges where land is available. For colleges facing land constraints, the plea proposes common or cluster hostels on suitable government or university land that could serve students from nearby institutions.Until adequate institutional facilities are created, the petition seeks structural and fire safety audits of private PG accommodations and student hostels operating around DU colleges.Key HighlightsDelhi High Court has sought responses from three authorities.The PIL seeks safe and affordable hostels across DU colleges.The plea follows the deadly Satya Niketan building collapse.A college-wise assessment of hostel capacity has been requested.The petition seeks safety audits of private PGs and hostels.The next hearing is scheduled for September 25.ConclusionThe Delhi High Court's latest notice places renewed focus on student accommodation and hostel availability at Delhi University. The plea seeks a long-term policy instead of relying heavily on private PGs and rented accommodation. Its demands also include immediate safety checks while new institutional facilities are developed. The court's next hearing on September 25 will indicate how the concerned authorities respond to these demands.Disclaimer: This article is intended only for knowledge and news-information purposes and is based on publicly available reports and court-related information.
