Delhi Coaching Centre Deaths: HC Quips, 'Mercifully, You Didn’t Challan Water For Entering Basement'

The Delhi High Court on Friday expressed shock over the deaths of UPSC aspirants who drowned, questioning how the students could not escape. The bench inquired why Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) officials failed to inform the commissioner about non-functioning stormwater drains in the area. Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela criticized the apparent indifference of MCD officials, noting it has become a norm.

Earlier, the High Court reprimanded the Delhi Government, MCD, and other civic authorities for not upgrading century-old infrastructure despite the liberalization of bylaws. The court emphasized that punishing innocent individuals while the actual culprits remain free would be a grave injustice.

The High Court also directed the Delhi Police to provide a clear account of the incident, warning against a "brothers club" mentality.

The court criticiSed the Delhi Police for unfairly arresting a passerby, stressing that respect is earned by arresting the guilty and protecting the innocent. The court sarcastically remarked, "Mercifully, you have not challaned rainwater for entering into the basement, the way you arrested the SUV driver for driving his car there."

In response, the Delhi Police apologised for any misimpressions caused by press reports. The High Court advised the police to conduct the investigation scientifically and avoid external pressures.