The Supreme Court emphasized the importance of establishing "uniform standards" wherever feasible to enhance the safety and security of students attending coaching centers.

A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan was reviewing a case concerning the tragic deaths of three civil service aspirants at a coaching center in the national capital last July, which occurred due to flooding in the building's basement.

Case Brief:

Back in July, three students tragically drowned in the basement library of Rau's IAS Study Circle in Delhi's Old Rajinder Nagar area after it was inundated by heavy rains.

During the proceedings, senior advocate Siddharth Dave, serving as an amicus curiae, highlighted several critical areas needing attention. He pointed out the importance of fire safety, fee regulation, the student-to-classroom area ratio, the student-to-teacher ratio, the installation of CCTVs, medical facilities, and mental health care and counseling services for students at coaching centers.

Dave proposed that all states be included as parties in the case. He also referenced existing legislation regulating coaching institutes in seven states, advocating for some form of permanent oversight, to which the bench agreed.

"It can't be that an unfortunate incident occurs and then suddenly one become aware of everything," the bench observed.

The top court pointed out the need to have uniform standards on the issue.

The respondent authorities were asked to offer suggestions to the amicus on the desirability of a comprehensive policy for coaching institutes, initially with respect to the National Capital Region (NCR).

The matter will be heard after two weeks.