The Delhi High Court has granted interim bail to four co-owners of a basement linked to the tragic deaths of three IAS aspirants in Old Rajinder Nagar. This bail will remain effective until January 30, 2025. The decision comes as a significant development in a case that has attracted considerable attention.
The court's bench, led by Justice DK Sharma, took a stern stance on the matter, describing the actions of the four co-owners as “unpardonable” and motivated by “greed.” In addition to granting bail, the court has imposed a substantial condition: the co-owners are required to deposit Rs 5 crore to the Red Cross Society. This directive underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for compensatory measures.
In a related order, the Delhi High Court has directed the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi to establish a committee. This committee, which will be overseen by a retired High Court judge, is tasked with ensuring that no coaching centres operate in basements without proper sanction across the city. This step aims to prevent future incidents and ensure safety standards are upheld.
Earlier this week, the Delhi High Court had asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to provide a status report on the causes of waterlogging in the area, as well as rainfall data for the day of the incident. This request highlights the court's focus on understanding the underlying factors contributing to the tragedy.
The trial court had previously denied bail to the four co-owners, citing their responsibility for the illegal use of the basement as a coaching centre. The co-owners’ bail plea argued that they were not named in the FIR and that their voluntary cooperation with the investigation demonstrated their bona fides.
They contended that the trial court had failed to properly consider the principle of vicarious liability in criminal jurisprudence, which pertains only to those who directly commit a criminal act.
The accused also argued in their earlier bail application that the incident was caused by heavy rain, which they referred to as an “act of God.” They placed part of the blame on the local civic agency for the area’s malfunctioning sewer system.
The CBI, which is overseeing the investigation, has noted that the basement was originally designated for storage and not for educational purposes. The agency claims that the accused were aware of the risks associated with operating a coaching centre in such a space.
The court also reviewed testimony from a resident of Karol Bagh, who had previously raised concerns about the illegal use of the basement for running a classroom. This testimony had warned of potential accidents, which became a reality with the tragic event.
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