The Gujarat High Court had taken the suo motu cognizance of the fire tragedy in the Rajkot TRP game zone. During today’s hearing, the High Court raised sharp questions and slammed the government and authorities saying that the court does ‘not trust the government and the authorities’.

The high court observed that there was noncompliance with the Gujarat Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2013 and the Gujarat Provincial Municipal Corporations (GPMC) Act, 1949, in the building of the TRP game zone.

The structure was not built under Section 253-269 of the GPMC Act, 1949 which states that “every person who shall intend to erect a building shall give to the Commissioner notice of his said intention in the form prescribed in the bye-laws and containing all such information as may be required to be furnished under the bye-laws”.

Justice Biren Vaishnav remarked, “Honestly, we do not trust the state government now. After four years of passing orders this is the sixth incident that has happened.” 

“Are we to assume you turned a blind eye? What do you and your people do?” the court asked.

The court also questioned the commissioner regarding this.

The Additional Advocate General Mitesh Amin, replied the High Court saying that the government has taken immediate steps. All game zones in the state have been closed. The government is very serious about this incident and no one will be spared. He also added that six officials have been suspended. An FIR has been lodged against six accused and two have been arrested.

During the hearing, the petitioner stated that no approval had been sought for the Rajkot TRP game zone. Many deaths, including those of children, have occurred as rules were not being followed.

The petitioner claimed that the game zone was operating unlawfully, and despite warnings from the system and police, no action was taken. The Gujarat High Court concluded by criticising the lax attitude of the Rajkot Municipal Corporation and the lack of action for three years.

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