Read Time: 04 minutes

Synopsis

The state of Delhi recently encountered a tragic incident where three Civil Services aspirants drowned in the basement of a coaching institute, and one aspirant died due to electrocution. In response to the incident, the students caused an uproar, prompting the police to arrest the SUV driver and the basement owners. The police also sealed numerous institutes following the incident.

The students approached the High Court, seeking the establishment of a high-level committee to investigate the deaths of these civil aspirants.

During the hearing, the bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela questioned the police regarding the reasons for arresting a passerby driver. The bench expressed dismay over the government's actions, noting that the government was shifting blame for such incidents without any particular authority taking accountability. 

However, in an unusual turn of events, the Tis Hazari Court denied bail to the SUV driver on the same day. Judicial Magistrate Vinod Kumar noted that the allegations against the SUV driver were serious, observing that CCTV footage showed him driving the vehicle on an already waterlogged road at high speed, causing a large displacement of water. The court further observed that the gate of the premises gave way, allowing water to enter the basement, resulting in the loss of three innocent lives. The court also noted that the CCTV footage showed Kathuria being warned of the dangers ahead by some passers-by, but he did not pay any heed.

The arrest of an SUV driver highlighted issues of accountability and administrative shortcomings in Delhi, prompting a broader debate on responsibility, accountability, and governance. While the Trial Court deemed the arrest necessary, citing serious allegations and evidence from CCTV footage, the High Court questioned the rationale behind arresting a passerby driver.