Supreme Court Warns of Danger in Delhi Coaching Centres

The Supreme Court of India has taken significant action regarding the safety of students at coaching centres, particularly in light of recent tragedies involving UPSC aspirants. On August 5, the court described these institutions as "death chambers" after three students tragically lost their lives at Rau's IAS Study Circle in Delhi. The court has issued notices to both the central and Delhi state governments, demanding clarity on the safety regulations in place to protect students. Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan emphasized the urgent need for compliance with safety norms, stating that coaching centres must ensure proper ventilation, adequate lighting, and fire safety measures. The court's remarks came after it was revealed that the basement of Rau's IAS Study Circle, where the students died due to flooding, was being improperly used as a library, violating existing regulations. This incident has raised alarms about the overall safety conditions in coaching institutes across the capital. In response to the incident, authorities have begun to crack down on coaching centres that fail to adhere to safety standards, leading to the closure of several establishments. The Delhi High Court has also intervened, transferring the investigation of the Rau's IAS Study Circle case from local police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to ensure a thorough inquiry. The Supreme Court's actions highlight a growing concern over the welfare of students in coaching centres, which attract aspirants from all over the country, often charging exorbitant fees for their services.