In response to recent student protests over the tragic deaths of three UPSC aspirants in Delhi, the Supreme Court has intervened to address the critical safety issues in coaching centres, which it has described as “death chambers.” This dramatic move follows a devastating incident where a burst drain led to a flood in the basement of a coaching centre, resulting in the deaths of the young aspirants. The court’s focus on these "death chambers" underscores the urgent need for stringent safety measures in educational facilities.

Supreme Court’s Criticism and Legal Action

The Supreme Court has expressed its grave concerns about the safety standards in coaching centres, describing the recent incident as an “eye-opener.” The court’s description of these facilities as “death chambers” underscores the severe risks and disregard for student safety that have been prevalent. The court’s statement condemns the negligence and lack of basic safety measures in these institutions.

“These places have become death chambers,” the court remarked. “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.” This stern criticism highlights the need for urgent reforms to ensure that coaching centres adhere to stringent safety protocols.

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In its effort to address these issues, the Supreme Court has issued notices to the Centre, the Delhi government, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), demanding detailed explanations regarding the safety norms that have been prescribed and implemented so far. The court’s move aims to hold responsible authorities accountable and ensure that necessary measures are taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Additionally, the court has imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on petitioners who challenged a Delhi High Court order that mandated the closure of coaching centres failing to meet civic and fire safety checks. This fine underscores the court’s commitment to enforcing safety regulations and ensuring that coaching centres comply with necessary standards.

The Delhi High Court has also weighed in on the matter, criticizing the MCD for its apparent lack of understanding of civic planning. The High Court stated, “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.” This criticism points to systemic issues within the MCD and highlights the need for better planning and execution of civic responsibilities.

Furthermore, the High Court has admonished police and city officials, stressing the need for accountability. “Some officer has to be liable. These people must be alive,” the court asserted. This statement reflects the High Court’s demand for responsibility and proper action to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Protests and Public Reaction

In the wake of this tragic incident, students have continued their protests in Delhi’s Old Rajinder Nagar area. They are mourning the loss of the three UPSC aspirants who died after their coaching centre’s basement was flooded with rainwater. The tragic event occurred at Rau’s Study Circle in Old Rajinder Nagar following heavy rains on Saturday evening.

The deceased students have been identified as Shreya Yadav from Ambedkar Nagar district in Uttar Pradesh, Tanya Soni from Telangana, and Nivin Dalwin from Ernakulam, Kerala. Their deaths have sparked widespread outrage and calls for immediate action to improve safety standards in coaching centres.

The Supreme Court’s intervention and the ongoing protests highlight the urgent need for reforms to ensure that coaching centres are safe and well-regulated. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on implementing effective measures to prevent future tragedies and protect the lives of students across the country.

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