In a suo motu case concerning the safety and regulation of private coaching centres, initiated after a tragic flooding incident in Delhi’s Old Rajinder Nagar that claimed the lives of three students, the Supreme Court has sought responses from states and Union Territories regarding the proposed Model Rules on Infrastructure, Safety, and Regulation of Private Coaching Institutes, 2024.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan directed this step after Senior Advocate Siddharth Dave, acting as Amicus Curiae, circulated the draft Model Rules to various states and UTs for their consideration.
The draft rules aim to address multiple aspects of student safety and institutional accountability, including mandatory infrastructure requirements, inclusivity measures, and regulatory frameworks. Key proposals include:
- Safety Measures: Installation of fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, automatic sprinklers, and flood prevention mechanisms, along with mandatory ‘Fire Building and Safety Certificates’ and ‘Flood Prevention Certificates.’
- Basic Amenities: Proper lighting, ventilation, safe drinking water, and separate washrooms for men, women, and transgender individuals.
- Monitoring and Grievance Redressal: Employment of student counsellors, creation of helplines, grievance redressal cells, and committees to address sexual harassment complaints.
- Structural and Academic Requirements: Minimum classroom area of 1 square meter per student, a student-teacher ratio of at least 40:1, and verification of tutors’ academic qualifications.
- Regulation of Fees and Advertising: Transparency in fee structures, refund policies, and penalties for false advertisements.
The Court previously took cognizance of the lack of safety measures after dismissing a petition by the Coaching Federation of India as frivolous but recognized the broader issue of student safety across the country. Following this, the Union Government informed the Court about a Home Ministry-constituted committee investigating the Old Rajinder Nagar tragedy.
The case, which has drawn attention to the unregulated nature of coaching institutes and the risks posed to students, will next consider the feedback from states and UTs on these proposed measures to ensure a safer environment for students.
Case Title: Coaching Federation of India v. Government of NCT of Delhi & Ors.
Case No.: SLP(C) No. 18653/2024.
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