The Delhi High Court is set to hear a plea today, seeking the establishment of a high-level committee to investigate the tragic drowning of three civil service aspirants in the basement of a coaching centre located in Old Rajender Nagar. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety and legality of such educational establishments.
The plea, brought forward by an advocate, was urgently mentioned before a bench comprising the Acting Chief Justice and another Justice on Tuesday. The bench indicated that the matter would be heard the following day, provided the petition met all procedural requirements. The petitioner argued that the plea, filed on Monday, necessitated immediate judicial intervention. The court, while acknowledging the urgency, instructed the petitioner to rectify any procedural deficiencies to facilitate a timely hearing.
The petition calls for the formation of a committee to investigate and report on the operation of coaching centres in the national capital, many of which allegedly operate without proper legal authorisation. The petitioner claims that rampant corruption within public departments has led to a perilous environment, with numerous lives lost over the years due to neglect and oversight. The plea highlights the broader issue of over 50% of commercial buildings in Delhi reportedly functioning illegally, with many situated in residential areas without the necessary approvals and clearances. It alleges that these activities continue unabated due to bribery and corruption among the authorities.
The petition underscores that the fundamental right to die with dignity, as enshrined in Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, has been grossly neglected. It asserts that the Delhi authorities have failed to uphold this right, resulting in preventable tragedies. The plea also recalls a previous incident in Mukherjee Nagar, where a fire broke out in a coaching centre last June. In that case, the High Court had taken suo motu cognisance and issued notices to the fire department and the Delhi government, demanding a status report and directives to crack down on unsafe coaching centres. The petition argues that despite these directives, the recent incident demonstrates a continued disregard for safety regulations. The hearing today will be crucial in determining whether a high-level probe will be initiated, potentially uncovering systemic issues within the operation of coaching centres and the associated regulatory framework. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for the safety and governance of educational institutions in Delhi.
