The Delhi High Court on Monday questioned the urgency of a plea claiming that people could still be trapped under the debris of the Satya Niketan building, which collapsed on September 6 and killed seven people.

The plea was mentioned for urgent listing before a Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia.

The petitioner claimed that the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) had demolished a building adjoining the collapsed structure without first clearing the debris, raising concerns that some people could still be trapped underneath.

The Court, however, questioned the basis of the claim and asked the petitioner’s counsel about the source of the information.

“What is your source of information that there are people below the debris? How do you know?” Chief Justice Upadhyaya asked.

The Bench also observed that the authorities must have conducted a technical assessment before deciding to demolish the adjoining building.

“File it, it will be auto-listed tomorrow. What is so urgent?” the Chief Justice said.

The Satya Niketan building near Delhi University’s South Campus collapsed on September 6 while repair work was underway. The building was being used as a paying guest accommodation for boys. Students and workers were among those who died in the incident.

The High Court is already hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking ₹1 crore compensation for the families of the victims and a structural audit of PG accommodations and hostels.

Another PIL before the Court seeks directions to ensure that every college affiliated with Delhi University has adequate hostel facilities for students.