The Delhi High Court posed tough questions to the municipal corporation on Wednesday, demanding accountability for the deaths of three students due to urban planning negligence. The court summoned the MCD Director to explain the lack of urban planning and expressed dissatisfaction over the city’s handling of infrastructure and safety regulations.
During the hearing, the court also questioned the police’s handling of student protests, following the “forceful eviction” of demonstrators earlier in the day. The police have arrested seven individuals, including the building owner, the proprietor of the coaching centre, and a driver accused of exacerbating the flood conditions leading to the basement deaths. The court questioned the arrest of the driver, indicating possible overreach by the police.
The victims, Tania Soni, Shreya Yadav, and Navin Delvin, drowned last week in the flooded basement of a coaching centre in Rajendra Nagar. Preliminary investigations revealed multiple violations by the building and coaching centre owners, including operating without proper clearance and falsifying a Fire Department certificate.
The petitioner’s plea included allegations of negligence and illegal operations by the coaching centre. The court acknowledged these issues, emphasizing the disconnect between Delhi’s infrastructure and its growing needs.
Court Criticises MCD and Demands Accountability
The court sharply criticized the MCD for not holding senior officials accountable. “You have terminated junior officers… but what about senior officers who should have supervised (their work)? Has anyone from MCD gone to jail?” the court asked, highlighting the lack of supervision by senior staff who remain in their “air-conditioned offices.”
Did you know that you can join The Theorist on WhatsApp and stay updated? Click here
The court also criticized the competence of city engineers, questioning their ability to plan and manage the city’s drainage system. “Today if you ask an MCD official to plan drains… they will not be able to do it. They don’t (even) know where the drains are… everything is mixed up. It is absolutely chaotic.”
Delhi Government’s Response and Infrastructure Concerns
The Delhi government, represented by its counsel, informed the court about inspections and actions taken against coaching centres. Authorities issued notices to 75 institutes, shut down 35, and sealed 25. The government also expressed its intent to pass new regulations for coaching centres.
The court addressed the broader issue of infrastructural breakdown and the blame game between political parties. It criticized the “freebie culture” of the Aam Aadmi Party, questioning how the city plans to accommodate its growing population without upgrading infrastructure. “There is a population of 3.3 crore people, whereas the city was planned for six or seven lakh. How do you plan to accommodate so many without upgrading infrastructure?” the Acting Chief Justice asked.
Home Ministry’s Involvement
The Home Ministry has formed a committee to investigate the students’ deaths. Union Minister Amit Shah claimed the Kerala government received early warnings about potential landslides, adding that the Centre had dispatched NDRF teams in advance. Shah emphasized the Narendra Modi government’s support for Kerala during the Wayanad tragedy, underscoring the need for timely evacuations.
The court’s hearing highlighted significant issues in urban planning and governance in Delhi. As the investigation continues, the Delhi High Court’s questions and demands for accountability signal a potential shift towards stricter enforcement of safety regulations and improved urban planning. The hearing was adjourned to Friday at 2.30 pm for further proceedings.
