source - file image
Supreme Court Condemns Coaching Centres
The Supreme Court has called coaching centres “death chambers” after three civil service aspirants died. These students drowned in a flooded basement at a coaching centre in Rajendra Nagar. The centre operated in violation of civic and fire safety regulations.
Suo Moto Cognizance of the Incident
The Supreme Court took suo moto cognizance of the tragedy. The justices criticized coaching centres for endangering students’ lives. They demanded to know the safety rules for these centres. Many coaching centres in Delhi charge high fees but operate unsafely.
also read : UPSC Coaching Institutes Offer Compensation Following Tragic Student Deaths Amid Protests
Call for Safety Compliance
“These places have become death chambers,” stated Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan. The court said coaching institutes should operate online unless they comply with safety norms. Proper ventilation and safe entrances and exits are essential.
Fines and Shutdowns
The Supreme Court fined the Coaching Institute Federation ₹1 lakh. This was for challenging a Delhi High Court order to close unsafe centres. Nearly three dozen centres were shut down.
Infrastructure Issues in Delhi
The students died because rainwater and sewage flooded the basement. This incident highlighted severe infrastructure issues in the city. The Delhi High Court criticized police and city officials. The inquiry was transferred to the CBI.
Accountability and Negligence
The court expressed frustration with the Municipal Corporation’s ability to manage infrastructure. “They are not equipped to deal with it,” the High Court said. MCD officials must ensure drains are functional. The court called this “criminal negligence.”
Violations and Arrests
Investigations revealed multiple violations by the building and coaching centre owners. They used the basement without clearance and falsified fire department certificates. Seven people have been arrested so far.
Protests and Demands
The tragedy sparked massive protests led by students. They demanded better flood control infrastructure and stricter regulations for coaching centres. Protesters called for a ban on using basements for libraries or classes.
Government Response
Delhi Education Minister Atishi and Urban Development Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj met with protesting students. Mayor Shelly Oberoi also spoke to them. Students announced an indefinite hunger strike. They aim to pressure the government and civic authorities.
New Legislation Promised
The Delhi government pledged to introduce new laws to monitor coaching centres. They aim to ensure compliance with safety standards.
