UPSC aspirant deaths: SC says institutes ‘have become death chambers’, can operate online unless safety norms are complied with

“The recent unfortunate incidents taking away lives of some of the young ones who joined coaching centres for their career pursuits are eye openers for one and all. We therefore deem it appropriate to expand the scope of these proceedings as suo motu to issue notice to Union of India (through Ministry of Urban Affairs) and NCT of Delhi to show cause as to what safety norms have been prescribed so far and if so what is the effective mechanism introduced for their compliance,” the court said in its order.

Dismissing the appeal, Justice Kant observed that “these places have become death chambers” and asked, “You want us to set aside this simple order (of the HC)? You are taking away the lives of young ones coming from different parts of the country… This is a frivolous plea.”

The court said in its order that all coaching institutes in Delhi have to comply with the fire and safety requirements under the Delhi Master Plan 2021, read with Unified Building Bye Laws of Delhi 2016.

It said that the institutes can operate online unless there is full compliance of the safety norms and basic norms for dignified life of their students such as proper ventilation, safety passages and abundant air and light.

The court also imposed a cost of Rs 1 lakh on the federation and directed that the amount be paid to the Supreme Court Bar Association and the Supreme Court Advocates on Record Association.