Delhi High Court Reserves Decision on Bail for Basement Co-Owners in IAS Aspirants’ Tragic Deaths

The Delhi High Court has reserved its decision on the bail pleas of four co-owners of a basement in Old Rajinder Nagar, where three IAS aspirants tragically drowned due to severe waterlogging.

Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma’s Directive

Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma has asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to submit a status report addressing the primary causes of waterlogging in the area and the rainfall data from that day.

Arguments from Co-Owners

The co-owners argue that the trial court failed to consider that they were not named in the FIR. They also highlight their voluntary cooperation with the investigation, demonstrating their bona fides despite not being called in by the investigating officer. Their plea contends that vicarious liability does not apply in criminal jurisprudence and that strict criminal liability pertains only to the person who directly commits the criminal act.

CBI’s Claims

The CBI, handling the case, stated that the basement was designated solely for storage, not for educational purposes. The agency claims that the accused were aware of the risks associated with operating a coaching center in that space.

Testimony and Court Observations

The court also considered the testimony of a Karol Bagh resident who had previously raised concerns about Rau’s IAS running a classroom in the basement without permission. The court observed that the accused were aware that allowing the illegal use of the basement was endangering lives and that this illegal use was directly connected to the tragic event.