New Delhi, August 5, 2024– In a significant move, the Supreme Court of India has taken suo moto cognizance of the tragic deaths of two UPSC aspirants who drowned in the basement of a coaching center in the Rajendra Nagar area of Delhi. The court said coaching centres have become death chambers.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety standards and regulatory oversight of coaching centers in the national capital, prompting the court to intervene.
The Tragic Incident
On August 3, 2024, the bustling Rajendra Nagar area, known for its numerous coaching centers catering to UPSC aspirants, witnessed a horrifying incident. Two young aspirants, both in their early twenties, were trapped in the basement of a coaching center when heavy rains led to severe flooding. Despite desperate attempts to escape, they were unable to find their way out, leading to their untimely deaths by drowning.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as students and staff members struggled to navigate the rapidly rising waters. Emergency services were called, but the swift onset of the floodwaters made rescue operations challenging. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the community of students who flock to Delhi with hopes and dreams of clearing the prestigious UPSC examinations.
Supreme Court’s Intervention
Taking note of the gravity of the situation, a division bench of the Supreme Court, comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, has initiated suo moto proceedings to address the issue. The bench has issued notices to the Government of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi and the Union of India, seeking detailed reports on the safety measures currently in place for educational institutions, particularly coaching centers operating in flood-prone areas.
Judicial Concerns and Directives
The bench expressed deep concern over the lack of adequate safety protocols and the apparent negligence that led to the tragic deaths.
The court has directed both the NCT of Delhi and the Union of India to submit comprehensive reports outlining the steps taken to ensure compliance with safety regulations in educational institutions.
The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing on this matter for August 20, 2024, when the reports from the NCT of Delhi and the Union of India will be reviewed, and further directions will be issued.
