Introduction

On September 17, 2025, the Delhi High Court upheld the demolition order of Signature View Apartments in Mukherjee Nagar, a housing complex built for the 2010 Commonwealth Games. A Division Bench led by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela rejected the appeal filed by resident Man Mohan Singh Attri, affirming earlier rulings that declared the structures unsafe.

Background

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) constructed Signature View Apartments as part of the 2010 Commonwealth Games infrastructure. The complex included 12 towers with 336 flats, initially built to house athletes and later sold to private owners. However, residents soon reported structural issues including cracks, corroded steel, and falling plaster. What was meant to symbolize luxury housing quickly became an emblem of poor planning and execution.

Key Developments

• A 2015 technical study by the National Council for Cement and Building Materials revealed serious structural flaws.

• A 2019 follow-up report confirmed the deteriorating condition of the towers.

• In 2022, IIT Delhi’s Prof. Shashank Bishnoi declared the towers beyond repair, recommending immediate evacuation.

• On December 18, 2023, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) issued a demolition order under Sections 348 and 349 of the DMC Act, citing imminent danger to residents.

Issues

• Residents argued the demolition order was harsh and poorly timed.

• The case raised questions about construction quality in large housing projects tied to public events.

• The balance between property rights of residents and the duty of the state to protect public safety.

Current Status

The High Court dismissed Attri’s appeal, affirming that the decision was based on credible expert reports. The Division Bench noted that municipal authorities acted within their statutory powers and relied on relevant evidence before ordering demolition.

Conclusion

The Delhi High Court’s decision clears the path for the demolition of Signature View Apartments, prioritizing public safety over property claims. While residents face disappointment and loss, the ruling underscores the judiciary’s role in upholding statutory obligations and protecting lives. The case serves as a cautionary tale about lax construction oversight in urban housing projects and the long-term consequences of compromised infrastructure.