In a scathing critique, the Supreme Court has labeled coaching centres as "death chambers" and condemned their negligence, following the tragic deaths of three Civil Service aspirants. These aspirants drowned in a flooded basement of a coaching centre in Rajendra Nagar, which was operating in violation of civic and fire safety regulations during heavy rains last month.
The Supreme Court, having taken suo moto cognizance of the incident, expressed its concern over the safety of children attending these centres. The court demanded clarity on the regulations governing coaching centres, highlighting that many such institutions in Delhi charge exorbitant fees for IAS entrance exam preparation but fail to provide safe environments.
Coaching centres could operate online unless they meet all safety requirements: SC
Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan emphasized that coaching centres must comply with safety and basic norms to ensure a dignified life for their students. The court stated that these centres could operate online unless they met all safety requirements, including proper ventilation and safe access points.
The Supreme Court also imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on the Coaching Institute Federation for challenging a Delhi High Court order to shut down unsafe coaching centres. This order resulted in the closure of nearly three dozen such centres.
Delhi HC questions MCD's capacity to handle city planning and infra
The deaths of the three students were attributed to the failure of city drains to manage stagnant rainwater, which flooded back into the basement along with sewage. This incident has sparked a broader debate on the city’s infrastructure. The Delhi High Court criticized city officials and the police for their negligence, emphasizing that someone must be held accountable for the students' deaths. The court transferred the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The High Court's harsh words extended to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), questioning its capacity to handle city planning and infrastructure, especially during crises like floods. The court highlighted the criminal negligence of MCD officials in ensuring functional drainage systems.
Violations by building & coaching centre owners
Investigations have revealed multiple violations capacity to handle city planning and infra, including unauthorized use of the basement and falsifying information to obtain fire safety certificates. Seven people, including the building's co-owners, have been arrested so far. A city court also dismissed the bail pleas of the building’s co-owners, as the case is now under federal jurisdiction.
Student Protests
The tragic incident has led to widespread protests, especially from the student community, demanding better flood control infrastructure and stricter regulation of coaching centres. Protestors have called for authorities to prevent the use of basements for libraries or classrooms in coaching centres. In response to the protests, Delhi Education Minister Atishi, Urban Development Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, and Mayor Shelly Oberoi met with the students. The protestors have announced an indefinite hunger strike to pressure the Delhi government and civic authorities into action.
In response to the tragedy and subsequent protests, the Delhi government has announced plans to introduce new legislation to monitor and regulate coaching centres more effectively. This move aims to ensure that such institutions adhere to safety norms and provide a secure environment for students.
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