Karnataka High Court Directs Air Force To State Measures Taken To Prevent Fire Mishap During 'Aeroshow'

A division bench of Chief Justice Abhay Oka and Justice Sachin Shankar Magadum said "The Air force in coordination with the authorities of the state government will have to take all precautionary measures to ensure such an incident is not repeated."

The court issued the direction while hearing a public interest litigation filed by Retired Wing Commander G B Athri and Geetha Misra. The PIL sought a one-man judicial commission probe into the fire incident that destroyed about 300 cars at the Yelahanka Airbase, during the International Air Show, held in February, 2019.

The bench by its order dated December 7, 2020 had asked the police to file a report disclosing the progress made in the matter of investigation of the crime. Following which the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Yelahanka Sub division filed a report stating that the mishap occurred in the domestic area of the food court where vehicles were parked. The domestic parking area was under the supervision of the Airforce. This area was not given to police for maintenance. It was also stated that there was dry grass in the said area and due to connection with the overheated engine of the cars it caught fire. In the fire a total of 277 cars were completely burnt and 44 cars were partially burnt.

The petition filed through advocate G R Mohan contended that the respondents have not taken sufficient care while organizing the AIR Show at Yelahanka Air Force. As per the relevant portion of Guidelines issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Government of India, the respondents ought to have taken sufficient precautionary measures while organising such an event where a huge crowd gathered. Authorities have failed to comply with the laws.

When the public and other dignitaries were watching the Air Show a fire disaster has taken place in the parking area and no one is aware about the same as there was no control room or CCTV at the Parking Area. The PIL by way of interim relief sought directions to respondent's to submit detailed reports as to what action has been taken so far in relation to fire accident.

The matter has now been posted for further hearing on February 17, to enable the officer of the Air Force to file his affidavit.