Introduction:
A special bench of the Gujarat High Court, comprising Justices Biren Vaishnav and Devan M. Desai, addressed the aftermath of the TRP Gaming Zone fire in Rajkot and scrutinized the accountability of state municipal corporations regarding fire safety measures. The hearing saw strong criticism from the bench regarding the lack of periodic fire safety checks and accountability mechanisms within the municipal corporations. The court’s scrutiny came amidst ongoing criminal proceedings and investigations into the tragic incident.
Arguments Presented:
The petitioners, represented by Advocate Amit Panchal, highlighted continued non-compliance with court orders regarding fire safety measures. They emphasized the need for stricter enforcement and accountability mechanisms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Advocate GH Virk, presenting on behalf of the Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner, acknowledged the lack of periodic checks at the TRP Gaming Zone and non-compliance with fire safety regulations. Affidavits from municipal commissioners revealed gaps in compliance and accountability, with instances of unauthorized constructions and inadequate safety measures.
The State Government, represented by Advocate General Kamal Trivedi, detailed measures taken post-tragedy, including the formation of committees to draft rules for regulating amusement activities and establishing inspection mechanisms. The government also highlighted amendments to existing regulations to enhance fire safety measures and ensure compliance with building use permissions.
Court’s Judgement:
The Gujarat High Court, led by Justices Biren Vaishnav and Devan M. Desai, expressed dissatisfaction with the municipal corporations’ handling of fire safety issues. The court criticized the lack of accountability among officials and highlighted instances of dereliction of duty. Despite efforts by the state government to introduce regulatory frameworks and inspection mechanisms, significant gaps in compliance and enforcement remained evident.