What Transpired During Delhi High Court Hearing On Coaching Centre Deaths Case? | Key Points

New Delhi: Delhi High Court, on Friday, pulled up the Delhi Police and the MCD in the drowning of the three civil services aspirants at a coaching centre in the national capital's Old Rajinder Nagar.

Here are the major highlights of the hearing in the Delhi High Court...

• The CBI transferred the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). A bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan asked the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) to appoint a senior officer to oversee the CBI's criminal case probe.
• The court castigated the police and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) over the drowning incident, saying it was unable to fathom how the students could not come out. It asked why MCD officials did not inform the commissioner about non-functioning stormwater drains in the area.
• The bench, comprising Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, said MCD officials were not bothered and it has become a norm.
• Hitting out at the police, the high court said, "Mercifully, you have not challaned rainwater for entering into the basement, the way you arrested the SUV driver for driving his car there."
• Manuj Kathuria was accused of driving his SUV through the street that was flooded by rainwater on July 27, causing the water to swell and breach the gates of the three-storey building housing the coaching centre and inundate the basement, where the three students were killed.
• The Delhi HC ordered the removal of encroachments, and unauthorised constructions, including on drains, in Rajinder Nagar. 
• The Delhi Police requested three to four days to continue their investigation and assured the court that they were leaving no stone unturned in their efforts.
• The Delhi High Court highlighted that water issues were pervasive and affected everyone, including private residences. The court noted that even the Yamuna River is encroached upon, reflecting a broader problem in Delhi where there was a prevailing mindset that the river would continue to flow despite encroachments.
• Delhi Police counsel said it had written to every relevant authority. It stated, "We are in the process of collecting evidence. If on the next day also your lordships feel... Delhi police are constantly interacting with students. One agency is already engaged."
• The High Court formed a panel headed by the Chief Secretary saying it was time to re-look into Delhi's administrative, financial, and physical infrastructure.

(with PTI inputs)