New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Thursday overturned a trial court’s directive requiring Rau’s IAS Study Circle CEO, Abhishek Gupta, to deposit ₹2.5 crore as a condition for interim bail in a case related to the drowning deaths of three students in the institute’s flooded basement.
Bail to Be Decided on Merits
Justice Vikas Mahajan clarified that the trial court will decide the bail based on its merits. Gupta’s lawyer argued that the deposit condition should be removed since the Supreme Court had already set aside a similar ₹5 crore condition for a co-accused in the case.
Court’s Ruling
The High Court revoked the deposit condition, stating:
“Considering the Supreme Court’s decision… the condition in the September 23, 2024 order directing the petitioner to deposit ₹2.5 crore is set aside.”
However, the court allowed the CBI to keep its arguments open.
Background of the Case
The case stems from the tragic July 27, 2024 incident, where three UPSC aspirants—Shreya Yadav (25, UP), Tanya Soni (25, Telangana), and Nevin Delvin (24, Kerala)—drowned when the basement of Rau’s IAS Study Circle in Old Rajinder Nagar was flooded due to heavy rains.
Previous Trial Court Order
- Interim bail was granted to Gupta and coaching coordinator Deshpal Singh on September 23, 2024.
- They were asked to furnish a ₹1 lakh personal bond with two sureties.
- Gupta was also directed to deposit ₹2.5 crore with the Red Cross Society by November 30—a condition now revoked by the High Court.
Meanwhile, the kin of the deceased have challenged the interim bail order, and the case remains under judicial scrutiny.
