Delhi Coaching Centre Deaths : SC Takes Suo Motu Cognizance, Issues Notice to Government

The Supreme Court on Monday, August 5, took suo motu cognizance of the deaths of three civil services aspirants in the basement of Rau’s IAS coaching centre in central Delhi’s Old Rajinder Nagar, issuing a notice to the Centre and Delhi government.

“Coaching centres are playing with the lives of aspirants who have come from different parts of the country,” remarked a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan.

The Supreme Court observed that the incident was an eye-opener and emphasized that no institute should operate unless they comply with safety norms. “These places (coaching centres) have become death chambers. Coaching institutes can operate online unless there is full compliance with safety norms and basic norms for a dignified life,” the bench said.

The Delhi High Court, on Friday, transferred the probe into the deaths of the three students at Rau’s IAS Study Circle from the Delhi Police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) “to ensure the public has no doubt over the investigation.”

On Sunday, students enrolled in various coaching institutes held a candle march in memory of the three civil services aspirants and have been protesting, demanding improved safety measures at coaching centres.

Protestors also called for the immediate release of the draft of the Delhi Coaching Educational Centre and Regulation Act to review and rectify the bill.

Delhi Education Minister Atishi announced on August 2 that the AAP government and MCD would provide ₹10 lakh each to the families of the deceased students. Additionally, a library will be built in their memory, with AAP MP Sanjay Singh donating ₹1 crore. The Delhi government will also implement rules to regulate coaching institutes.