Delhi Court Acquits Building Owner in 1999 Roof Collapse Case

A Delhi court acquitted Shiv Dutt, the owner of a building where a roof collapse in 1999 caused one labourer's death and injuries to seven others. The court ruled that negligence was not proven beyond reasonable doubt and that Dutt, who had hired an independent contractor for the construction, could not be held responsible for the contractor's alleged rash or negligent acts. The contractor died during the trial, and key evidence was lacking, leading to the acquittal on charges including causing death by negligence.