High Court directs action on coaching centers flouting safety rules

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has instructed the Chandigarh Union Territory administration to finalize actions against coaching centers breaching the building code within three months.

Advocate Nikhil Thamman has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) stating that numerous coaching centers operating in basements lack fire safety certificates and are in breach of the Chandigarh Building Rules, 2017, and Fire Safety Rules, 1991, posing a risk to student safety.

Lawyer Nikhil Thamman contended in the High Court that the number of coaching centers in crowded areas such as Sector 34 and Sector 17 is rising swiftly, yet there is no regulation over them. A division bench heard the petition.

The affidavit submitted by the Union Territory administration of Chandigarh stated that the estate branch conducted inspections in various areas, including around 28 shop-offices (SCO), and discovered violations in seven instances. Consequently, a show-cause notice was issued.

At the hearing, the Chandigarh Union Territory administration informed the court that actions against the offenders were still pending with the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Sector 34. Consequently, the court instructed the SDM to conclude the proceedings within three months.

The court further stated that if the order is not followed, petitioner Nikhil Thamman can continue with his petition. Thamman emphasized that education is the foundation of the nation. He pointed out that the irregularities in coaching institutes jeopardize students' lives, which is a serious concern.