JUDGMENT

23.12.2024

MINI PUSHKARNA, J:

PROLOGUE:

1. The present cases are one of their kinds that bring to the fore shocking facts regarding the apathy displayed by the Delhi Development Authority (“ DDA ”) in getting residential towers constructed under the DDA Housing Scheme, which started displaying signs of deterioration within a short span of their disposal and occupation by the residents. Such delinquency and gross negligence by the DDA is unpardonable, as the same has put lives of hundreds of residents therein, to great risk and danger. The residential towers constructed by the DDA have been found to be unfit for habitation by structural experts upon detailed examination and investigation, and have been declared as dangerous. Despite extensive repair work, the degeneration and dilapidation of the structures could not be prevented on account of the poor qualityof construction.

2. The facts on record establish structural defects and flaws in the construction of the apartments in question, making them structurally unsafe. Wide and deep cracks have developed in the beams, columns and pillars of the structures. There is corrosion and rusting of the steel bars, with deterioration