Delhi Coaching Centre Deaths: High Court Agrees To Hear PIL Seeking High-Level Inquiry On Wednesday

The Delhi High Court will hear a PIL on Wednesday about the Rajinder Nagar coaching center incident, where heavy rain caused the deaths of three UPSC aspirants in a basement. Advocate Rudra Vikram Singh, representing the PIL litigant, requested an urgent hearing.  Acting Chief Justice Manmohan assured him that the matter would be listed for Wednesday.

The PIL claims that widespread corruption in public departments has caused numerous deaths over the years. It highlights that many commercial buildings in Delhi operate illegally, including those in residential areas, without proper approvals. Authorities are allegedly allowing this illegal functioning in exchange for bribes.

The plea argues that Delhi authorities are neglecting the right to die with dignity. Like the right to live with dignity under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. Resulting in preventable deaths due to their negligence.

Home Ministry launches inquiry into incident

On Monday, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) formed a committee to investigate the incident. That claimed three lives in Old Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi. In a post on X, the MHA announced the committee’s formation, stating it would investigate the causes, assign responsibility, suggest measures, and recommend policy changes.

The committee includes the Additional Secretary (Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs), Principal Secretary (Home) Delhi, Special Commissioner of Delhi Police, Fire Advisor, and the Joint Secretary (MHA). They will submit their report within 30 days.

On Saturday evening, heavy rain caused waterlogging in the basement of a coaching institute in Old Rajinder Nagar. Resulting in the deaths of three UPSC aspirants. The basement, used illegally as a library, trapped 17 other students for several hours, exposing severe safety issues in these establishments. The space was only approved for parking and storage, not as a library.

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