Morbi Bridge Collapse | District Bar Association Passes Unanimous Resolution Against Representing Accused

The Morbi Bar Association on Tuesday passed a unanimous resolution asking its member advocates not to represent any of the accused associated with the Morbi Bridge Collapse incident in which over 130 people lost their lives.

The Bridge which was constructed during British rule had been closed since March for renovation. It was re-opened for the public just four days before it collapsed on Sunday night.

Speaking to Live Law, a member of the Rajkot District Association also confirmed that it has passed a resolution similar to Morbi Bar Association's resolution against representing the accused involved in this incident.

The resolution of the Morbi Bar Association read thus:

"All the lawyers of the association are deeply saddened due to the Morbi Bridge Collapse case...We have decided that no lawyer friends associated with the Morbi Bar Association will act as an advocate for the accused in this incident."

Updates in the #MorbiBridgeCollapse Case

* #Morbi and #Rajkot Bar Associations have passed a unanimous resolution to not take up the case or represent the accused.

* 4 accused have been sent to 5-day police custody by the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Morbi. pic.twitter.com/tdwH5f5Bre

— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) November 2, 2022

In all, 9 persons have been arrested in this case including the managers of Oreva (the company that renovated the bridge) - ticket collectors, bridge repair contractors, and three security guards responsible for managing the crowds.

On Tuesday, 4 accused were sent to 5-day police custody by the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Morbi. Though 10 days' remand was sought by the prosecution, however, the court allowed the remand of the accused only till November 5.

In related news, a public interest litigation has been filed before the Supreme Court in wake of the recent Morbi bridge collapse in Gujarat. The matter was mentioned before the CJI on Tuesday seeking immediate intervention by the establishment of a judicial inquiry commission under the supervision of a Retired Supreme Court Judge. The CJI has directed that the matter be listed on November 14.