In a stern message to the administration, the Delhi High Court has called for an immediate awakening from its “deep slumber” to address the safety of coaching centres throughout the city. This directive comes in the wake of a tragic incident at a coaching centre in Old Rajinder Nagar, where three civil service aspirants lost their lives due to flooding in July. The court granted interim bail to four co-owners of the basement property involved until November 30, emphasizing the need for systemic change.
Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma, who presided over the case, criticized the administration’s negligence and indifference, noting that such preventable tragedies continue to recur, claiming innocent lives. The incident, which claimed the lives of Shreya Yadav, Tanya Soni, and Nevin Delvin, has sparked outrage and highlighted the perilous conditions under which many students study.
In his order, Justice Sharma proposed the formation of a committee, led ideally by a former high court judge, to conduct thorough inspections of all coaching centres and make necessary recommendations to ensure they operate safely. This committee is expected to include officials from the Delhi Development Authority and is tasked with exploring the establishment of a designated institutional area equipped with modern amenities and proper safety measures.
The court also mandated the co-owners of the basement to contribute Rs 5 crore to the Red Cross Society, intended to support student welfare and improve coaching centre standards. Furthermore, the Lieutenant Governor was urged to consider compensating the families of the deceased, illustrating the court’s commitment to justice and remedial measures.
Highlighting the broader implications, the court lamented the recurrent oversight by civic authorities despite previous warnings and directed a comprehensive investigation into the incident, implicating both the property owners and public officials potentially involved.
