Gujarat High Court Slams State Govt Over Rajkot TRP Game Zone Fire, Demands Accountability And Fire Safety Measures

The Gujarat High Court, while hearing a suo motu motion, has strongly criticized the state government over the tragic Rajkot TRP Game Zone fire incident that claimed numerous lives.

Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Pranav Trivedi presided over the hearing and expressed profound grief and anger regarding the incident.

During the hearing, the High Court lashed out at municipal commissioners, accusing them of massive negligence in the Rajkot fire incident which occurred last month. The court questioned the government's tendency to blame only contractors for such incidents, stating it would not spare the responsible officers in such instances.

Describing the Rajkot fire as particularly catastrophic compared to recent incidents, the High Court conveyed its anguish over the recurring tragedies.

Questioning the government's response to these issues, the High Court remarked, “Such incidents keep happening including in Morbi, Harni … Why does the government cover the contractor only in such incidents? Municipal Commissioners are sleeping, hence accidents are happening due to such negligence... Now no municipal commissioner will be given a chance.”

"The Rajkot fire incident seems small to you... now you will not be able to save the officers," remarked the bench, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

The court admonished the civic body for seeking additional time to file affidavits, demanding prompt submission and expressing disdain at ongoing delays.

Furthermore, the Court also condemned the selective suspension of junior officers while senior officials remained unscathed. It questioned the participation of senior officers in the game zone's inauguration, hinting at potential involvement in illicit constructions.

Directing the government to furnish a final fact-finding report by June 16, the High Court demanded transparency regarding fire safety measures implemented in the educational sector statewide. This included detailed assessments of fire safety protocols in educational institutions across district and urban divisions.