The Supreme Court has issued a notice to both the central and Delhi governments regarding the tragic drowning of three Civil Service aspirants in a flooded basement of a coaching center. The building, located in Rajendra Nagar, was found to be in violation of civic and fire safety regulations. The incident occurred last month during heavy rainfall.

During the hearing, the court criticized the authorities for their failure to regulate coaching centers, labeling them as "death chambers" and accusing them of "playing with the lives of children." The court also questioned what regulations, if any, were in place for the numerous coaching centers in Delhi, many of which charge exorbitant fees to prepare students for the IAS entrance exam while operating in unsafe conditions.

"These places have become death chambers. Coaching institutes can operate online unless there is full compliance of safety and basic norms for a dignified life. Coaching centres are playing with the lives of aspirants..." Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan said.

The court emphasized that norms for coaching centers should include proper ventilation and safe entrances and exits. Additionally, the Supreme Court imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh on the Coaching Institute Federation for challenging a Delhi High Court order that mandated the shutdown of all coaching centers failing to meet civic and fire safety standards. Nearly thirty centers were closed as a result. The students' deaths, caused by drains failing to clear stagnant rainwater that mixed with sewage and flooded the basement, have sparked a debate over the city's infrastructure.

Last week, the Delhi High Court severely criticized police and city officials, stating, "Some officer has to be liable... these people must be alive." The court then transferred the investigation to the CBI.

The court expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Municipal Corporation, questioning its ability to plan and maintain city infrastructure, especially during crises such as floods.

"They are not equipped to deal with it... maybe they don't understand how civic planning works. MCD officials are responsible for ensuring drains are functional... there is criminal negligence. It is not a swimming pool here," the High Court said.