In a stern rebuke, the Gujarat High Court has held municipal officers accountable for their inaction following the devastating fire at a gaming zone in Rajkot, which resulted in the deaths of 28 people, including nine children. The court expressed severe dissatisfaction with the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) for allowing the facility to operate without necessary permits and safety measures【34†source】【35†source】.
The fire, which broke out on May 25, 2024, was reportedly exacerbated by the presence of flammable materials and the lack of a proper fire safety protocol. The gaming zone, operating without a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the fire department, had only one entry and exit point, which contributed to the tragedy【34†source】.
Justice Biren Vaishnav and Justice Devan Desai criticized the RMC for failing to enforce fire safety regulations despite previous court orders. The court questioned the state machinery’s negligence and the apparent oversight that allowed the gaming zone to function without adequate approvals for over two years. The bench emphasized that the civic body’s inaction, despite multiple notices for compliance, demonstrated a gross neglect of duty【34†source】【36†source】.
During the hearings, the court learned that the facility had not been subjected to periodic safety checks and that previous notices regarding unauthorized structures were ignored. The court demanded accountability at the highest levels, questioning why senior officials, including the former municipal commissioner, were not suspended or held responsible for the oversight【35†source】【37†source】.
In response, the state government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident and promised swift action against those found negligent. The SIT has been directed to submit its findings by June 20, 2024, ensuring that the responsible parties face appropriate legal consequences【35†source】【36†source】.
This incident has highlighted the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and accountability within municipal bodies to prevent such tragedies in the future.