The Supreme Court has taken a stern stance against the Delhi Government and the Central authorities in the wake of a tragic incident where three Civil Service aspirants drowned in the basement of a coaching centre. This basement, located in Rajendra Nagar, was submerged due to recent heavy rains and had violated several civic and fire safety regulations.
During the hearing, the court condemned the lack of regulation over coaching centres, labeling them as “death chambers” and accusing authorities of endangering lives. “These establishments have become perilous zones. Coaching institutes can transition to online formats if they fail to meet essential safety standards,” stated Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan. They emphasised the need for stringent norms, including adequate ventilation and safe exits.
The court also imposed a ₹1 lakh fine on the Coaching Institute Federation for contesting a Delhi High Court order that mandated the closure of non-compliant coaching centres. This order led to the shutdown of nearly thirty such centres.
The tragic deaths were caused by inadequate drainage systems that allowed rainwater mixed with sewage to flood the basement. This incident has ignited a debate over the city’s infrastructure and the management of flood risks.
Last week, the Delhi High Court criticised city officials and police for their failure to ensure proper infrastructure, transferring the investigation to the CBI. “Municipal authorities are evidently incapable of handling such emergencies. There is clear criminal negligence,” the High Court stated, questioning the Municipal Corporation’s competence in managing city infrastructure during crises.
Investigations have revealed several infractions by the building and coaching centre owners, including unauthorised use of the basement and false documentation to secure fire safety certifications. To date, seven individuals have been arrested in connection with the case.
The city has witnessed significant student-led protests demanding improvements in flood control and stricter regulations on coaching centres. Protesters are calling for bans on using basements for educational purposes and stricter oversight of these institutions.
Delhi Education Minister Atishi, Urban Development Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, and Mayor Shelly Oberoi have engaged with the protesting students, who have begun an indefinite hunger strike to pressurise the government. In response, the Delhi Government has pledged to introduce new legislation to regulate coaching centres more effectively.
