Morbi Bridge Collapse | Gujarat High Court Rejects Bail Plea Of Oreva Group's Managing Director

Justice Divyesh A Joshi observed, “In is found out from the record that, prima facie, the applicant accused was having knowledge that this kind of unfortunate incident might have occurred for want of proper maintenance of the suspension bridge and even after having sufficient knowledge of the condition of the bridge, despite that, he has given permission to open the bridge for public.”

The Court further said that had Bhalodia been the head of the company, he would have taken sufficient corrective measures then this kind of unforeseen incident could have been prevented and valuable and precious lives of innocent persons could have been saved.

Bhalodia's firm, Oreva Group was responsible for the operation and maintenance of the century-old 'Julto Pul' (suspension bridge) situated over Macchu River at Morbi in Gujarat's Morbi town which collapsed on 30.10.2022 resulting in the tragic deaths of 135 individuals, including children, and causing injuries to 56 others.

The Court, in refusing bail for Bhalodia, also took into account his communication with the Collector and the Morbi Nagarpalika chief, where he emphasized the deteriorating condition of the bridge and the urgent need for repairs. The Court also observed that Bhalodia was well aware of the dilapidated state of the bridge, further emphasizing his knowledge of the situation.

Patel has been behind bars since his surrender in January 2023 after he was named as the main accused in the case.

"Thus, without discussing anything on merits and demerits of the case, only considering the fact that, prima facie, the applicant accused was having sufficient knowledge right from the beginning, the nature and gravity of the charges, severity of the punishment in the event of conviction, position and standing of the accused in the society as he being a businessman and when the applications preferred by the victims before the concerned Sessions Court for further investigation and addition of section etc. are pending, I am not inclined to entertain present bail application at this juncture,” Justice Joshi concluded while dismissing the application.

Appearance: Mr Nirupam D Nanavaty, Senior Advocate With Mr Jal Unwalla, Senior Advocate With Mr Yash Nanavaty With Mr. Rahul R Dholakia(6765) For The Applicant(S) No. 1 Mr Rahul Sharma With Mr Utkarsh J Dave(10620) For The Respondent(S) No. 1 Mr Mitesh Amin, Additional Advocate General And Public Prosecutor With Mr Manan Mehta, App For The Respondent(S) No. 1 Mr Ronith Joy For The Victims

Case Title: Jaysukhbhai Odhavjibhai Bhalodia (Patel) Versus State Of Gujarat

LL Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Guj) 201

Case No.: R/Criminal Misc.Application (For Regular Bail - After Chargesheet) No. 13253 Of 2023