Introduction:

The Gujarat High Court, presided over by Justices Biren Vaishnav and Devan M. Desai, took suo motu cognizance of the devastating fire at TRP Game Zone in Rajkot, Gujarat. The fire claimed the lives of at least 27 individuals, including nine children, on a tragic Saturday evening. Advocate Amit Panchal presented compelling evidence, highlighting the absence of necessary permissions for the gaming zone, while Advocate Brijesh Trivedi urged for a judicial inquiry into the incident.

Arguments:

Advocate Amit Panchal argued that the TRP gaming zone lacked essential approvals, particularly from the fire department, pointing to gross negligence on the part of authorities for allowing its operation. Advocate Brijesh Trivedi emphasized the need for a thorough investigation by a sitting judge into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

Court’s Judgement:

The Court, deeply moved by the newspaper reports, initiated suo motu proceedings, directing the Registry to treat the matter as a Public Interest Litigation. It instructed the panel advocates of municipal corporations and the State of Gujarat to appear and provide explanations regarding the establishment and operation of such gaming zones. Additionally, it ordered the circulation of a civil application addressing fire safety concerns for urgent consideration.