NEW DELHI: Residents of Signature View Apartments made a last-ditch effort to prolong their vacate deadline, but the Delhi High Court rejected their plea on Tuesday, stating, “We will not put our seal at your risk.”
A bench consisting of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedella noted the Supreme Court had previously identified the buildings as dilapidated. “In light of the Supreme Court’s order from October 10, we cannot grant any time extension,” the bench stated, dismissing the appeal from nine residents who sought a grace period under the court’s “mercy” jurisdiction.
“If we grant more time to you, we would have to do the same for everyone. This decision is well-reasoned; you challenged it, and nothing was done. You’re effectively in contempt. We cannot risk your safety,” the bench remarked. However, they encouraged the petitioners, many of whom are advocates, to consult senior advocate Sanjay Jain, who represents the Delhi Development Authority, leaving it to the agency’s discretion.
Jain maintained that no relief was possible, emphasizing that the Supreme Court had already made its position clear. “The apex court questioned how we could take on any responsibility if something unfortunate occurs. No one should take risks given the current state of the buildings,” he stated.
Nonetheless, the high court reminded Jain that the residents’ predicament was due to his client. “Let’s not overlook that. People invest their hard-earned money in these flats, and what do they end up with? Other related agencies like NBCC also have pending issues before us,” the court remarked.
In March, the DDA issued a tender to demolish and rebuild Signature View Apartments after the Delhi High Court approved the proposal. Just last week, the Supreme Court dismissed a plea challenging the high court’s order, which authorized the demolition without any stay.
On Monday, the power and water services to the complex were cut off. The apartments, comprising 336 high-income and middle-income units, have suffered severe structural issues, including significant cracks in walls and ceilings.
