Delhi HC Slams Authorities Over Deaths of UPSC Aspirants

The Delhi High Court criticized authorities following the drowning deaths of three UPSC aspirants in a coaching center's basement. It highlighted negligence, called for removing the 'freebies culture' impacting infrastructure funding, and hinted at a central agency probe. Officials are urged to update the city's century-old systems.

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday lambasted the authorities over the tragic death of three UPSC aspirants who drowned in the basement of a coaching centre. The court emphasized the high value of human lives, condemning negligence that leads to such preventable tragedies.

Highlighting the need to eliminate the 'freebies culture' which hampers tax and utility bill collections, the court pointed out that without funds, civic authorities struggle to upgrade century-old infrastructure. The court hinted at involving a central agency, such as CVC, CBI, or Lokpal, to probe the incident and directed key officials from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and police to appear on Friday.

A bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela criticized the Delhi Police for ineffective action and MCD officials for disregarding orders. The court stressed the need for a high-level committee to investigate the deaths, ordered the removal of encroachments on drains, and condemned the outdated drainage systems and the disconnect between the city's administration and its needs.