Supreme Court Slams Delhi Government Over ‘Death Chambers’ After Coaching Centre Tragedy
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/5th August 2024
In a sharp rebuke, the Supreme Court of India has admonished the Delhi government and civic administration for their failures following the tragic death of three Civil Service aspirants in a flooded basement of a Rajinder Nagar coaching centre. This incident, which has brought to light grave safety violations, has prompted the apex court to issue notices to both the central and Delhi governments, demanding immediate accountability and action.
The tragedy unfolded in a coaching centre that was operating in a building found to be in blatant violation of civic and fire safety regulations. This case has sparked widespread outrage and has intensified scrutiny over the regulation, or lack thereof, of coaching centres in the capital.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court described these institutions as ‘death chambers,’ highlighting the dire safety conditions in which they operate. The court accused the authorities of gross negligence, effectively ‘playing with the lives of children’ by allowing such hazardous environments to exist unchecked. The judges, Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, underscored the necessity for stringent regulations and proper enforcement to ensure the safety and well-being of students.
The court pointed out the alarming reality that there are potentially hundreds of these coaching centres across Delhi, many of which charge exorbitant fees for their services. Despite the high costs, these centres often fail to provide basic safety measures, including adequate ventilation and secure entrances and exits. The justices stressed that unless these institutions comply fully with safety norms, they should not be allowed to operate offline.
In a move to enforce accountability, the Supreme Court imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on the Coaching Institute Federation. This penalty was levied for challenging a Delhi High Court order that mandated the shutdown of all businesses failing to meet civic and fire safety standards. Consequently, nearly three dozen coaching centres have been closed, signaling a significant crackdown on unsafe educational establishments.
This incident has also drawn severe criticism from the Delhi High Court, which recently censured the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Police, and the state government. The High Court condemned these entities for their inability to fix accountability and apprehend those responsible for the tragic loss of life.
The Supreme Court’s strong stance reflects a broader concern about the regulatory environment surrounding coaching centres in Delhi. These institutions, which play a crucial role in preparing students for competitive exams like the IAS entrance exam, have come under fire for prioritizing profit over safety. The court’s directive aims to compel these centres to adhere to strict safety protocols, thereby ensuring a safer learning environment for all students.
The court emphasized that coaching centres could operate online as an alternative, provided they meet the necessary safety and operational standards for offline classes. This move is expected to prompt a thorough review and overhaul of safety practices across all coaching centres in the city.
The Supreme Court’s intervention marks a critical step towards safeguarding the lives of thousands of students who rely on these coaching centres for their educational advancement. As the government and civic authorities face increased pressure to rectify these failures, it remains to be seen how effectively they will implement and enforce the necessary changes to prevent such tragedies in the future.
