‘Why are RMC commissioner not suspended?’ Guj HC rebukes authorities
Updated: Jun 7th, 2024
A special bench was constituted by Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal, comprising Justices Biren Vaishnav and Devani M Desai, to hear the suo moto PIL of Rajkot fire case on June 6.
During the hearing, the court observed that though a notice to remove unauthorised construction of the TRP Game Zone had been issued by the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) commissioner on 11-4-23, no action was taken for a year.
Coming down heavily on the authorities, Justice Biren Vaishnav said, “Why are the commissioners not suspended? The responsibility lies at the top.”
“It has now come on record that they have been playing a ball game.
“The demolition order was issued on 8-6-23, after that what happened? Rested in peace till 27 lives have been lost! For one year you did nothing.” said Justice Vaishnav.
It was revealed that in the west zone office of the town planning department office, Rajkot forwarded the application on May 9 there was no response from the TRP Game Zone to the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) till the date of the unfortunate game zone incident.
“Though the office was conscious of the unauthorised construction, they ought to have visited the premises and inspected to take further action,” disclosed the HC.
It was also revealed that on Sept 4, 2023, a fire incident happened attributed to welding and subsequently catching fire of thermocol (Polystyrene) in the premises of the TRP Game Zone.
“There was no compliance by the Fire Safety Act, no application was made for fire NOC, no periodic checks were carried out for this game zone,” observed the court.
The state government said, “We are waiting for the second report of the SIT.”
“He should face the consequences but there are officers who did not inform the commissioner about the unauthorised game zone,” said Advocate General Kamal Trivedi.
Trivedi said that the second report of SIT has been expected by June 28.
“Apprise us of the progress of the SIT on June 13, consider the commissioner’s affidavit, make it a part of the SIT record and take action against him.” ordered the HC.
Also read:
