High Court Takes Suo Moto Cognizance Of Under-Construction Metro Pillar Collapse In Bengaluru

A division bench of Chief Justice Prasanna B Varale and Justice Ashok S Kinagi referred to news reports about the incident appearing in various dailies and also the news report about a sinkhole which appeared on Brigade Road in Bengaluru, where metro work is underway.

“These news items prompted us to take cognizance of the incident referred to wherein there is an unfortunate death of a lady and toddler son and the condition of roads, the issue raises concern and question for the public at large.”

The bench directed the Registrar General to file the suo-motu petition and make the State of Karnataka, Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), BBMP and concerned contractors as party respondents to the petition.

The bench said the points to be addressed in the petition would include—

-What are the safety measures prescribed for such work (Metro Work).

-Whether such safety measures are part of the tender document or contract agreement.

-If such safety measures are not part of the tender document or contract between the parties whether any attempt is made to set up certain safety measures by issuing government order/notifications.

-If such safety measures are prescribed what is the mechanism for a periodical supervision and check up in the ongoing construction activity.

-Whether any accountability is fixed for failure to maintain safety measures, either on the contractor/agency undertaking work or the officer concerned supervising work.

Following the incident of the collapse, an FIR has been registered against eight accused, including the director of Nagarjuna Construction Company (NCC).