Judge Reprimands Lawyer for Misconduct in UPSC Aspirants' Death Case

During a hearing in the UPSC aspirants' death case, Delhi judge Anju Bajaj Chandna sternly warned an advocate against misbehavior. The incident, stemming from a dispute over application hearing, underscores tensions in the high-profile case investigating the deaths of three candidates in a flooded basement library.

A tense courtroom exchange unfolded at the Rouse Avenue court in Delhi as Principal District and Sessions Judge Anju Bajaj Chandna sternly warned an advocate against misbehavior during proceedings related to the tragic deaths of three UPSC aspirants.

The incident occurred during a hearing connected to the July 27 flooding of a basement library at Rau's IAS Circle in Old Rajinder Nagar, which claimed the lives of three civil service candidates. Advocate Abhijit Anand, representing the father of one of the deceased, faced a sharp rebuke from Judge Chandna for his conduct.

"Don't even think you can misbehave in my court," the judge admonished, threatening contempt proceedings if the behavior persisted. She also noted complaints from court staff about the lawyer's earlier conduct.

The confrontation arose when Anand insisted that his application, seeking building sanction plans for the premises where the tragedy occurred, be heard by a district judge rather than the additional chief judicial magistrate to whom it had been assigned. Despite the court's explanation that related applications were being heard in another court, Anand demanded either an immediate hearing or dismissal of his application.

This case has garnered significant attention, with the Delhi Police having arrested two individuals - Abhishek Gupta, the institute's CEO, and DP Singh, a coordinator - on charges of culpable homicide. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is now handling the probe.

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The courtroom incident highlights the intense emotions surrounding the case, which has raised questions about safety standards in educational institutions and the pressures faced by UPSC aspirants. As the investigation continues, the legal proceedings remain under close scrutiny, with all parties seeking swift justice for the victims and their families.