Morbi Bridge Collapse: Gujarat High Court Takes Suo Motu Cognizance, Asks State To File Action Taken Report

"We have taken suo moto cognizance of this Morbi incident. But for the vacation, we would have sat on the same day itself… we want some action from your end," a bench of Chief Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice Ashutosh J Shastri told Advocate General Kamal Trivedi.

It has directed to implead the State Government through its Chief Secretary, the State's Home Department through its Home Secretary, the Morbi Municipal Corporation through its Chief Officer, the Urban Development Authority, the Collector of Morbi District, and the State Human Rights Commission as respondent parties.

The State is to file a status report by next Monday. The State Human Rights Commission is to file a separate report. The matter is now listed on November 14. The State has also been asked to file a report in 10 days, specifying the steps taken by it so far in the matter.  

Chief Justice's court also observed a two-minute silence to remember those who lost lives in the this Tragedy.

The 141-year-old suspension bridge hanging over the Machchuu River was reopened two weeks ago after repairs and maintenance by the Oreva company. A PIL in Supreme Court seeks a judicial enquiry into the matter.

Four accused in the matter, including 2 managers of the Oreva company have been sent to judicial custody by a local court.