Gujarat HC Demands Probe into Rajkot Game Zone Fire

The Gujarat HC on June 13 issued a directive to the State government to establish a “fact-finding committee” to investigate the Rajkot game zone fire incident that resulted in the death of 27 people last month.

This incident highlighted severe lapses in safety regulations and oversight, with the illegal structure operating for years without proper licensing.

Gujarat HC Observations and Directives:

1. Negligence by Municipal Commissioners: The court heavily criticized them for gross negligence, underscoring their failure to prevent the incident.
2. Accountability Beyond Contractors: The High Court expressed dissatisfaction with the State government’s tendency to hold only contractors accountable, emphasizing that higher-ranking officials should also be held responsible.
3. Formation of Fact-Finding Committee: The court mandated creating a fact-finding committee headed by the Principal Secretary of the Urban Development and Housing Department. This committee is required to submit its report by July 4.
4. Fire Safety Inspections: The court ordered statewide fire safety inspections for schools to ensure such tragedies are not repeated.

Concerns about Accountability:

Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Pranav Trivedi voiced concerns that investigations often shield higher-ranking officials while only junior officers face consequences.

They stressed that accountability must be comprehensive and inclusive of top officials, drawing parallels to incidents like the Morbi bridge collapse.

Mandates for Future Action:

• Comprehensive Inquiry: The court insisted on a thorough investigation to identify all responsible officials, emphasizing that high-ranking officials should not escape scrutiny.
• Enhanced Safety Protocols: The court orders school fire safety inspections to strengthen preventive measures and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

This directive by the Gujarat High Court signifies a crucial step towards ensuring accountability and enhancing safety measures, thereby preventing such tragic incidents.

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