We have no faith in state machinery: Gujarat HC

The Gujarat High Court on Monday expressed strong disapproval of the Rajkot civic body’s handling of the game zone fire which resulted in the death of 27 individuals. It asserted a lack of confidence in the state machinery, criticising its tendency to react only after innocent lives are lost.

- ASHISH SINHA

Questioning the Rajkot Municipal Corporation’s oversight, the court asked whether it had overlooked the construction of such a significant structure in its vicinity. The RMC’s lawyer disclosed that the TRP game zone had not obtained the necessary permissions.

A special bench comprising Justices Biren Vaishnav and Devan Desai presided over a suo motu PIL concerning the game zone fire incident.

The court further remarked that all Rajkot municipal commissioners, from the establishment of the TRP game zone in 2021 until the recent incident on May 25, should be held accountable for the tragedy. It directed them to submit separate affidavits.

The fire at the TRP game zone in Rajkot’s Nana-Mava area on Saturday evening resulted in the loss of 27 lives, including children.

The game zone operated without the required fire NOC (no objection certificate), according to officials.