Delhi High Court criticizes the DDA for the unsafe and substandard construction of Signature View flats, granting permission for their demolition.

In a scathing judgment, the Delhi High Court on Monday reprimanded the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for its substandard construction of Signature View Apartments in Mukherjee Nagar, New Delhi, deeming them structurally unsound and unsafe for habitation. The Court authorized the demolition of the apartment complex and directed the DDA to pay interim rent to the residents promptly, ensuring they are provided alternative accommodation until the flats are reconstructed.
Justice Mini Pushkarna sharply criticized the DDA’s handling of the situation, calling its actions grossly negligent and apathetic. She stated that the DDA’s failure to ensure proper construction and maintenance of the apartments put the lives of hundreds of residents at significant risk. The Court emphasized that this negligence violated the residents’ right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. “Such delinquency and gross negligence by the DDA is unpardonable, as it has put the lives of hundreds of residents in great danger,” the Court said, underlining the severity of the situation.
The Signature View Apartments were part of a multi-story housing scheme launched by the DDA in 2010, consisting of 336 flats. However, the buildings started showing significant signs of deterioration just a few years after residents moved in. By 2013-2014, exterior plasters had fallen off, leaving the buildings in a dilapidated state, and by 2012, even the interior ceilings began collapsing. Despite various repair efforts by the DDA over the years, these were superficial and failed to address the deeper structural flaws that rendered the apartments uninhabitable.
After several complaints from residents and multiple inspections, reports indicated that the apartments were beyond repair and would require complete demolition and reconstruction. In December 2023, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) declared the building complex “dangerous,” prompting the DDA to devise a demolition and rehabilitation plan. This plan, finalized in June 2023, was largely accepted by the residents, though some raised objections to the DDA’s stipulation that interim rent would only be paid after all residents had vacated the premises. While 70% of residents had vacated, some remained, and the DDA insisted on full evacuation before paying interim rent.
The Delhi High Court sided with the DDA’s decision to demolish the apartments, recognizing the extensive structural damage. It emphasized that expert reports and multiple inspections had established that the buildings were not salvageable. “Considering the various reports as aforesaid, it is apparent that the buildings in question are structurally unsafe,” the Court stated, adding that it would not interfere in the demolition process since it was based on the findings of expert committees.
The Court also ruled on a contentious issue regarding the DDA’s plan to build 168 additional flats on what had originally been designated as common areas. The flat owners objected to this proposal, arguing that these common areas rightfully belonged to them after the flats were transferred to their ownership. The Court agreed with the residents, holding that the DDA no longer held any rights over these common areas and could not construct extra flats. “While the DDA has the authority to carry out the demolition of the flats in question, it cannot construct extra flats… This Court cannot be oblivious to the needs of the petitioners for living with dignity and with adequate open spaces,” the Court ruled.
Regarding the payment of interim rent, the Court ordered that residents should receive rent payments as soon as they vacate their flats, rejecting the DDA’s argument that payment should be delayed until all residents have vacated. “Considering the precarious condition of the structures, the occupants of the flats cannot be expected to wait till each occupant vacates the flats. It is far-fetched to expect that all the occupants will vacate the flats at one go,” the Court stated. The Court also accepted the DDA’s proposal to pay ₹50,000 per month as interim rent for High Income Group (HIG) residents and ₹38,000 for Middle Income Group (MIG) residents. The Court further ordered that these rent amounts be increased by 10% every year until residents are given possession of their reconstructed flats.
The judgment marks a significant victory for the residents of Signature View Apartments, ensuring their safety, compensation, and the timely reconstruction of their homes. The DDA’s failure to meet its obligations has been firmly addressed, and the Court has put in place measures to safeguard the residents’ interests during the demolition and rebuilding process.
Counsel for the petitioners included Senior Advocate Maninder Acharya, with a team of advocates representing the residents. The DDA was represented by Senior Advocate Deepika V Marwaha, and the Central Government and MCD had their respective legal representatives present during the hearings.