In a stern response to the tragic death of three students in a coaching center, the Delhi High Court has issued a notice to municipal officials and criticized government authorities. The incident, which occurred due to flooding in the basement of a multi-story building in Old Rajinder Nagar, has brought to light the critical issues of infrastructure and administrative negligence.

Court’s Strong Remarks on Infrastructure Failures

During the hearing, the Delhi High Court expressed its dismay at the lack of proper infrastructure, noting that while high-rise buildings are being approved, the drainage systems remain inadequate. This failure has resulted in the loss of three young lives, highlighting the dire need for robust urban planning and infrastructure development.

Criticism of Freebies Culture

The court lambasted the authorities for promoting a culture of freebies rather than focusing on essential infrastructure improvements. “You are fostering a culture of giveaways instead of collecting taxes and developing necessary infrastructure,” the court remarked. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) was particularly criticized for its financial mismanagement, leading to an inability to pay its employees and maintain the city’s infrastructure.

Inadequate Investigation by Authorities

The court also took a jibe at the police for conducting a “strange investigation,” where action was being taken against the car driver but not against the MCD officials responsible for the infrastructure failures. This has raised concerns about the accountability of government officials and the efficacy of the investigation process.

Possible Central Agency Investigation

The court’s comments hint at the possibility of transferring the investigation to a central agency to ensure a thorough and unbiased probe into the deaths of the coaching center students. This move could bring more scrutiny to the roles and responsibilities of various officials involved in the incident.

Immediate Actions Ordered by the Court

The Delhi High Court has directed the MCD Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner of Police, and the investigating officer to appear in court on Friday. The court has also ordered the removal of all illegal constructions over drains in the Rajinder Nagar area by Friday, aiming to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Background of the Incident

The incident occurred on July 27, following heavy rains in Delhi, which led to severe waterlogging in the Old Rajinder Nagar area. The three students, who were preparing for civil service exams, drowned in the basement of the coaching center. Among the deceased was a young woman from Bihar, adding to the gravity of the tragedy.

This incident has sparked widespread outrage and has underscored the urgent need for effective urban planning and accountability in the city’s governance. As the court continues to monitor the case, it is hoped that these actions will lead to significant improvements in Delhi’s infrastructure and prevent such tragedies from occurring again.