Morbi bridge tragedy case

In a hearing of a suo moto public interest litigation (PIL) over the Morbi bridge tragedy which claimed 135 lives in October 2022, a divisional bench of Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Aniruddha P Mayee expressed strong displeasure over the Oreva company’s handling of the victims’ compensation and rehabilitation.

It further directed the company to file a detailed affidavit, explaining its plans for permanent compensation and its corporate social responsibility (CSR) obligations.

Filing an affidavit in the High Court, Oreva group has agreed to provide compensation to the victims of the bridge collapse as per the recommendations of the Morbi district collector.

The collector had recommended that the company provide a monthly compensation of ₹12,000 to orphaned children, widows, and other vulnerable victims. However, the company had initially only agreed to provide a monthly compensation of ₹5,000.

The High Court had earlier issued a show-cause notice to the company asking why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against it for not complying with the court’s orders.

On behalf of the company, its accountant also filed an affidavit in the HC regarding the financial compensation to be given to the victims and its methodology. The affidavit also shed light upon the compensation already provided and the compensation to be provided in the future.

Jaysukh Patel’s apology in the HC

Appearing before the court, Oreva Group managing director Jaysukh Patel sought apology for not being able to respond to the court’s orders in a timely manner and assured the court of full compliance with its orders, “always”.

The court, however, observed that the Morbi bridge collapse was not a mere accident or an act of God but a result of the company’s negligence and dereliction of duty. It pointed out that Oreva had taken over the maintenance and operation of the bridge despite knowing its dilapidated condition, and cannot be given a “benefit of doubt.”

“You (Oreva Group) have played with public property. You have a moral and legal obligation to do more for the victims,” the court asserted.

The next hearing on the matter will be held on May 19.

Notably, Jaysukh Patel was granted bail from the Supreme Court on Mar 22.

Previously, the court had put the Oreva Group on the dock by asking, “What happened to the trust that was asked to be formed to help the victims? What has the company done about the rehabilitation of the victim families, as it had promised three months ago? Why has the Oreva Group not filed an affidavit for three months?”

Also read:

Morbi bridge tragedy: SC grants conditional bail to Oreva Group’s Jaysukh Patel

Guj HC serves contempt notice to Oreva Group in Morbi bridge collapse case

Guj HC directs Oreva group to adopt Morbi village, look after victims’ kins