In a recent and concerning development, the Supreme Court of India has described many coaching centres in Delhi as "death chambers." This strong statement came after the tragic deaths of three UPSC aspirants due to flooding in an illegally used basement library. The incident has highlighted severe safety lapses in these institutions, prompting the court to take serious action.
Supreme Court's Immediate Actions
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan took suo motu cognisance of the situation. They issued notices to both the Centre and the Delhi government, demanding responses on how they plan to enforce and ensure fire safety measures in coaching centres. Moreover, the court imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh on the Coaching Federation of India for challenging the Delhi High Court's order on complying with fire safety regulations.
Safety Regulations and Compliance
The Supreme Court emphasized that no coaching or tuition centre in Delhi or the National Capital Region (NCR) should operate without strict adherence to safety norms. These norms include:
- Proper ventilation
- Safe passageways
- Adequate lighting
- Potable water
- Air quality
- Functional washrooms
These facilities are crucial for ensuring a dignified and safe environment for students. The court suggested that until these safety standards are met, classes should be conducted online.
The Broader Impact
The tragic incident and the subsequent court actions have brought attention to the hazardous conditions under which many coaching centres operate. The Supreme Court highlighted the unfortunate reality where young students, often far from home, lose their lives due to preventable safety lapses.
The court's decision also included directives for the Delhi High Court to expand its ongoing proceedings regarding coaching centres. It asked for detailed safety norms and the effectiveness of current enforcement mechanisms. Furthermore, the court invited suggestions from various stakeholders, including students, to enhance both immediate and long-term safety measures.
Financial Penalties and Future Measures
In addition to the fine, the court imposed a cost of ₹50,000 to be deposited with the Supreme Court Bar Association and the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association. These financial penalties underline the seriousness with which the court views non-compliance with safety standards.
Call to Action for Coaching Centres
The Supreme Court's orders mandate that coaching centres accommodating more than 20 students must relocate from residential areas to commercial premises to ensure safety and compliance. This move is aimed at preventing further tragedies and ensuring that the safety of students is not compromised.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court's stringent actions against unsafe coaching centres in Delhi highlight the critical need for stringent safety standards and their enforcement. The tragic deaths of the UPSC aspirants serve as a grim reminder of the potential dangers lurking in inadequately regulated institutions. It is imperative for coaching centres to prioritize student safety and adhere to the prescribed safety norms to prevent such incidents in the future.
This post is based on information available as of now and aims to raise awareness about the urgent need for safety compliance in educational institutions.
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