New Delhi: In a stern response to the tragic deaths of three IAS aspirants at a Delhi coaching center, the Supreme Court has described the incident as an eye-opener and labeled coaching centres in the capital as death chambers. The court highlighted that these centres are endangering the lives of students.Playing with lives of studentsOn Monday, the Supreme Court took note of the unfortunate demise of three IAS aspirants at Raus IAS Study Circle in Old Rajendra Nagar due to flooding after heavy rain. The court expressed serious concerns about the safety standards of coaching centres in Delhi, remarking that they are playing with the lives of students.The coaching centres are playing with the lives of students and have become death chambers, the Supreme Court observed.The court imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on the Coaching Center Federation, which had challenged the Delhi High Courts order to shut down coaching centres lacking a fire No Objection Certificate (NOC).Notices to Central, Delhi governmentsThe Supreme Court has issued notices to the central government and the Chief Secretary of Delhi, demanding clarity on whether safety regulations are being enforced in coaching centres. Justice Surya Kant, heading the bench, emphasized the need for stringent safety measures and questioned the effectiveness of current protocols.We are not sure what effective measures have been taken so far by NCT of Delhi or the Union of India. The recent unfortunate incidents taking away the lives of some young aspirants are eye-openers for one and all, Justice Kant stated.The recent unfortunate incidents taking away the lives of some young aspirants are eye-openers for one and all, he said.Call for safety compliance, online shiftThe court suggested that if coaching centres fail to meet safety standards, they should transition to an online mode. The Attorney General has been asked to assist the court in this matter to ensure comprehensive safety measures are in place.Background of the incidentThe tragic deaths occurred on July 27 when Tania Soni (25), Shreya Yadav (25), and Navin Delvin (28) drowned in the basement of Raus IAS Study Circle due to heavy flooding. The incident has sparked a broader discussion on the safety and regulation of coaching centres in Delhi.The Supreme Courts intervention underscores the urgent need for regulatory oversight and stringent safety measures in coaching centres. The courts directives aim to safeguard the lives of students and prevent such tragedies in the future.Quotes:
