Delhi High Court: In a petition filed due to alleged inadequacies concerning the provision of essential facilities, particularly water coolers and drinking water, at Delhi University, a Vacation Bench comprising of Amit Sharma, J. directed a meeting to be convened amongst all the stakeholders in the matter to assess the facilities provided to the students with regard to water coolers and other infrastructural facilities indicating the Court’s proactive approach towards addressing student welfare and infrastructure concerns.
Background
The petitioners, through this petition, sought directions for Delhi University (‘University’) to provide clean and safe drinking water by installing new water coolers, repairing old R.O. plants, and providing basic infrastructural facilities.
They also prayed to direct the University to install air conditioners in all classrooms, ensure that there is internet accessibility, and ensure uninterrupted availability of water in the washrooms. The petitioners further sought directions to order the University to immediately reimburse the expenses incurred in purchasing water bottles out of college funds by the respective users.
Analysis and Decision
The Court noted the urgency of the matter as explained by the petitioners and stated that urgent intervention was required.
Further, the Court opined that the Bar Council of India and Dean of Student Welfare, Delhi University were necessary parties to the petition and issued notice to them for the same.
The Court stated that given the issues raised in the present matter, it was imperative that a meeting be convened amongst the Dean of Student Welfare, Delhi University, the Dean of the Faculty of Law, one of the petitioners, and the amicus curiae appointed by the Court to assess the facilities provided to the students regarding the provision for purified drinking water as well as other infrastructural facilities.
The Court directed the meeting to be convened within 1 week from the date of order with the mutual convenience of the parties. Further, the Court directed that the counsel for respondents shall coordinate the meeting and a report for the same must be placed on record before the next date of hearing.
The Court directed the matter to be listed on 04-07-2024 before the Roster Bench.
[Ronak Khatri v. University of Delhi, 2024 SCC OnLine Del 4388, Order dated 12-06-2024]
Advocates who appeared in this case :
For Petitioners — Advocate Ankur Singh, Advocate Umesh Kumar
For Respondents — Advocate Mohinder J.S. Rupal, Advocate Hardik Rupal
