‘Delhi Coaching Centres Turn Into Death Chambers’, Supreme Court Issues Notice

Pune, 5th August 2024: The Supreme Court issued notices to the Centre, Delhi government, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) regarding the Rau Coaching Centre incident in Rajendra Nagar, where three IAS aspirants drowned due to rainwater flooding in the basement. The court criticized coaching centres for becoming death chambers and demanded a review of safety standards. This action follows the tragic incident that highlighted severe lapses in safety protocols at coaching institutions.

The Supreme Court’s notice stems from the deaths of three IAS aspirants in the basement of Rau Coaching Centre in Rajendra Nagar, Delhi, after it flooded with rainwater. This tragic incident prompted the court to question the Centre, the Delhi government, and MCD about the existing safety standards in coaching centres. The court emphasized that no institution should operate without adhering to proper safety norms, stating the event was an eye-opener.

During the hearing, the Supreme Court expressed grave concern over recent incidents in coaching centres that have resulted in the loss of young lives. The court remarked that coaching centres have effectively become death chambers, posing significant risks to students. This observation underscores the urgent need for stringent safety measures and regulatory oversight in these institutions.

Students have continued their protests outside coaching institutes in Old Rajendra Nagar for the 10th consecutive day, demanding compensation from both the government and Rau’s IAS Study Circle for the tragic deaths. The students argue that the institutions and authorities are responsible for ensuring a safe environment, which was lacking in this instance.

One of the protesting students, Akanksha, speaking to ANI, mentioned that the protests will take a new form with a ‘nukkad natak’ (street play) starting at 6 PM on Monday. The street play aims to raise awareness about safety issues and hold accountable those responsible for the negligence that led to the deaths of the UPSC candidates.

The Supreme Court’s intervention highlights the critical need for immediate action to enforce safety standards in coaching centres nationwide, ensuring the safety and well-being of all students.