Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has strongly condemned coaching centres in Delhi, labeling them as “death chambers” that endanger the lives of students. This comes in the wake of last month’s tragic incident where three Civil Service aspirants drowned in the basement of a coaching centre in Rajendra Nagar. The basement was flooded due to heavy rain, exacerbated by the centre operating in violation of civic and fire safety regulations.
Taking suo moto cognisance of the tragedy, the Supreme Court issued notices to the Centre and the Delhi government. The bench, comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, criticized the coaching centres for “playing with the lives of children.”
The court demanded clarification on the regulations governing these centres, highlighting that many operate unsafely while charging exorbitant fees for IAS exam preparation. “These places have become death chambers. Coaching institutes can operate online unless there is full compliance with safety and basic norms for a dignified life. Coaching centres are playing with the lives of aspirants…” the justices stated.
The court emphasized the need for norms including proper ventilation and safe entrances and exits. It also imposed a fine of ?1 lakh on the Coaching Institute Federation for challenging a Delhi High Court order to shut down businesses that have not passed civic and fire safety checks. Nearly three dozen such centres have already been closed.
The incident, which occurred due to stagnant rainwater mixed with sewage flooding the basement, has sparked a debate over the city’s infrastructure. The Delhi High Court criticized police and city officials, transferring inquiries to the CBI. “Some officer has to be liable… these people must be alive,” the court remarked.
The Municipal Corporation was also scrutinized for its inability to plan and maintain city infrastructure during crises like floods. “They are not equipped to deal with it… maybe they don’t understand how civic planning works. MCD officials are responsible for ensuring drains are functional… there is criminal negligence. It is not a swimming pool here,” the High Court said.
Inquiries revealed multiple violations by the building and coaching centre owners, including unauthorized use of the basement and falsifying documents to obtain a fire safety certificate. Seven people have been arrested so far.
Student protests have erupted over the lack of flood control infrastructure and the misuse of basements for libraries or classes by coaching centres. Delhi Education Minister Atishi, Urban Development Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, and Mayor Shelly Oberoi have engaged with the protesting students, who have announced an indefinite hunger strike to pressure the government and civic authorities.
In response, the Delhi government has announced plans to introduce new legislation to monitor and regulate coaching centres.
