Former Solicitor General Harish Salve has said demolition alone cannot resolve Delhi’s longstanding illegal-building problems, urging authorities to address the housing needs of people living in unsafe or unauthorised structures.

His comments came as the Supreme Court prepared to hear issues concerning illegal construction in Delhi. The discussion followed the deadly collapse of a building in Satya Niketan that housed college students.

At least seven people died in the collapse, according to the report. The incident has focused attention on the risks faced by residents and students living in buildings that may be unsafe, unauthorised or constructed without adequate safeguards.

Housing concerns alongside enforcement

Salve argued that authorities should not remove residents without making alternative accommodation available. His position was that simply clearing illegal buildings would not address the wider housing problem, particularly for people who may have limited access to safe and affordable options.

The discussion also highlighted the shortage of safe and affordable student housing in Delhi. That shortage can leave students and other residents dependent on buildings whose safety or legal status may be in question, although the available material does not establish the circumstances of any individual resident beyond the Satya Niketan case.

Salve said the government’s response should therefore combine enforcement with a plan for those affected by action against illegal structures. Demolition, in his view, cannot by itself solve the city’s broader construction crisis if displaced residents have nowhere else to live.

Responsibility for illegal construction

Alongside the need for alternative accommodation, Salve said authorities should identify and prosecute those responsible for constructing illegal buildings. The approach would place responsibility on the people involved in creating unauthorised structures rather than focusing only on removing the buildings or residents.

The remarks come as the Supreme Court is scheduled to examine issues linked to illegal construction in Delhi. The hearing is expected to provide a forum for considering the wider administrative and housing questions raised by such structures, though the supplied material does not specify the court’s planned directions or timetable.

The Satya Niketan collapse has added urgency to the debate because the building housed college students and the incident resulted in multiple deaths. It has also underscored the tension between removing unsafe structures and ensuring that people affected by enforcement action are not left without accommodation.

The immediate next step is the Supreme Court hearing on illegal construction-related issues. Any further action will depend on the court’s proceedings and on how authorities respond to questions of building safety, accountability and alternative housing.