Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], January 25 (HBTV): The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Union Territory (UT) administration of Chandigarh to complete proceedings against coaching centres violating building codes within three months.

The directive came in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Advocate Nikhil Thamman. The petition highlighted that many coaching centres operating in basements lack fire safety certificates and violate the Chandigarh Building Rules, 2017, and Fire Safety Rules, 1991, thereby endangering the safety of students.

Thamman argued before the court that the number of coaching institutes is rapidly increasing in crowded areas like Sector 34 and Sector 17, with no effective oversight. The case was heard by a division bench.

In an affidavit filed by the UT administration, the estate branch reported conducting inspections of 28 shop-cum-offices (SCOs), identifying violations in seven cases. Show-cause notices were issued to the violators.

During the hearing, the UT administration informed the court that proceedings against the violators are pending with the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Sector 34. The court directed the SDM to conclude the proceedings within three months.

Additionally, the court stated that if the directive is not adhered to, petitioner Nikhil Thamman may revive his petition. Emphasizing the seriousness of the issue, Thamman remarked, 'Education is the backbone of the country. These irregularities in coaching institutes endanger students' lives, which cannot be ignored.'

(ANI)