High Court Criticizes Rajkot Municipal Corporation Over Fire Tragedy

Ahmedabad - The Gujarat High Court heard the case of the Rajkot TRP game zone fire incident on Thursday, with a bench comprising Judges Biren Vaishnav and Deven Desai. The fire, which resulted in the tragic loss of 28 lives, including children, has raised serious questions about the accountability of the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC).

The court reprimanded RMC, questioning why the commissioner had not been suspended when the game zone was started. The judges expressed their frustration that blame was being shifted onto employees of other departments. The court also criticized the lack of imposition of IPC sections against the commissioner.

The court remarked that the formation of Special Investigation Teams (SITs) often fails to prevent recurring accidents, and post-incident actions by the administration are typically short-lived. They noted that such accidents continue despite interventions and ordered that the next hearing will be held on June 13.

During the proceedings, the government lawyer expressed displeasure at the arguments presented by the Advocate Association. Advocate Brijesh Trivedi, representing the association, questioned who ordered the removal of evidence, prompting an objection from the state government. Trivedi argued that if the government could advocate for the accused, they should also represent the victims.

The government informed the court that the Municipal Commissioner had been transferred. However, the court deemed the transfer insufficient, stating that everyone involved was aware of the situation. The SIT requested two months to submit their final report, but the government allowed time only until June 28. In compliance with a previous court order, affidavits were filed by all four Mahanagar Palikas of the state.