Satya Niketan PG collapse: Delhi High Court denies urgent listing of plea seeking more DU hostels. (Image: Google)
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Tuesday refused to urgently hear a petition seeking directions for Delhi University (DU) colleges to provide hostel facilities to students. The court observed that a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on the same issue was already pending and would be taken up soon.
A bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia declined the request for immediate listing of the plea, saying that filing another urgent petition would unnecessarily consume time when a similar matter was already scheduled for hearing. The court informed that the matter would be listed on its own on September 9, 2026.
The petition came amid growing concerns over student accommodation safety following the tragic collapse of a building in Delhi’s Satya Niketan area. The collapsed structure was being used as a boys’ Paying Guest (PG) accommodation. The incident claimed seven lives, including five students, and triggered questions over the safety standards of private student housing facilities in the national capital.
The petitioner had sought directions to ensure that Delhi University colleges provide adequate hostel facilities so that students are not forced to depend on private PG accommodations.
The Satya Niketan tragedy has once again highlighted the shortage of affordable and safe accommodation options for Delhi University students. While several DU colleges operate hostels, the available capacity remains far below the actual demand. Thousands of students coming from different parts of the country struggle to find affordable housing near their campuses, leading to a rise in dependence on private PGs and rented rooms. Students and experts have repeatedly raised concerns over overcrowded PG facilities, poor maintenance, and lack of proper safety checks.
Data from several prominent Delhi University colleges shows a major gap between student strength and hostel availability. Miranda House, which has around 6,000 students, has hostel accommodation for only about 360 girls. Similarly, Kirori Mal College with nearly 5,500 students has a hostel capacity of around 180 boys. Hindu College, with approximately 4,500 students, provides hostel facilities to around 170 girls, while Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) and Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR) also have limited hostel spaces compared to their student population. The shortage has intensified the demand for private accommodation around university campuses. Student safety and housing crisis remain major concerns.
The Delhi High Court’s decision comes at a time when student safety and affordable housing have become key concerns in the capital. The Satya Niketan PG collapse has renewed debate over whether educational institutions should expand hostel infrastructure and whether private student accommodations require stricter monitoring and regulation.
