Gujarat High Court Labels Rajkot Gaming Zone Fire Incident a “Man-Made Disaster”
In an emergency session on Sunday, the Gujarat High Court took suo motu cognizance of a devastating fire at a gaming zone in Rajkot that claimed at least 27 lives. Justices Biren Vaishnav and Devan M. Desai presided over the session, declaring the incident a “man-made disaster” where innocent children lost their lives, leaving grieving families in its wake.
Exploitation of Regulatory Loopholes
The Court expressed alarm at reports suggesting the gaming zone exploited loopholes in the Gujarat Comprehensive General Development Control Regulations (CGDCR) to operate illegally. Gujarati newspapers highlighted that the gaming zone had erected temporary tin structures to circumvent necessary permissions. The Court noted similar gaming zones had emerged in other cities, including Ahmedabad, posing significant public safety threats.
Presence of Inflammable Materials
Reports indicated that the Rajkot gaming zone stored highly inflammable materials such as fuel, tires, and fiberglass shades, exacerbating the disaster’s impact.
Directive for Public Interest Litigation
In response, the High Court directed its registry to register a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL). It called for responses from the Municipal Corporations of Surat, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Baroda. These corporations are required to explain the legal provisions under which they permitted the establishment and operation of such gaming zones, including their compliance with fire safety regulations.
Upcoming Hearing
Advocate Amit Panchal submitted a note requesting urgent circulation of a civil application in a PIL related to fire safety. Consequently, the Court ordered the registry to circulate the civil application along with the suo motu PIL, scheduling them for a hearing before the same bench the following day. Advocate Brijesh Trivedi appeared on behalf of the Gujarat High Court Bar Association in this matter.
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