Ahmedabad:

The Gujarat High Court on Thursday again rapped the state government over the Rajkot game zone fire that killed 27 persons in May, wondering why a demolition order against the illegal structure was not executed for nearly a year.

The censure came in response to an affidavit submitted to the division bench of Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Pranav Trivedi that has been hearing a suo motu PIL (public interest litigation) it had taken up on May 26, a day after the tragedy.

The Gujarat government on Thursday also submitted its “fact-finding inquiry” report in a sealed cover to the HC on the TRP game zone blaze in Rajkot.

The bench last month had expressed displeasure over the investigation into the fire and ordered a “fact-finding inquiry” to uncover how the illegal game zone had come up and what roles officials played in it.

This had prompted the Gujarat government to appoint a “fact-finding committee” comprising IAS officers Manisha Chandra (Commissioner of Rural Development), P Swaroop (Commissioner of Land Reforms) and Rajkumar Beniwal (Vice Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Gujarat Maritime Board).

While going through the state’s affidavit on Thursday, the chief justice said though the officials of the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) were aware that the TRP game zone was illegal, no action was taken against it despite a demolition order being served to the management in June 2023.

“A demolition order was issued by the RMC. One year has passed since then (till the fire incident). Why was it not executed? Where is the answer? That demolition order proves that officials knew that the structure was illegal,” the CJ said.

When Advocate General Kamal Trivedi pointed out that the present Municipal Commissioner has already suspended RMC’s Town Planning Officer (TPO) and an Assistant TPO for negligence, Chief Justice Agarwal said it was not enough.

“Taking action against a few people will not help you. The working (style) has to be revisited. There are loopholes and lapses which need to be taken care of. You cannot put this state in this situation. It is very serious that such incidents are happening,” noted the chief justice.

The bench also expressed displeasure over the state government’s submission that the then Rajkot municipal commissioner was unaware of the illegal structure because TPO and his office were dealing with the matter and the demolition notice was sent by TPO, not the civic chief.

“You can’t say that this was not brought to my notice. It’s not an excuse. Even I can’t say that. I have to take responsibility for everything, good or bad. This should be the approach of the head of an institution,” the CJ said.

Since a report from the state government-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) is still pending, the court has asked Mr Trivedi to submit it as well as an Action Taken Report on July 25, when the matter will be heard next.

Twenty-seven persons, including four children, were killed in the massive fire that swept through the game zone in the Nana-Mava locality of Rajkot city on May 25.

A probe revealed that the game zone was running without any no objection certificate (NOC) from the fire department of the RMC.

Vadodara:

Cricketer-turned-politician Yusuf Pathan has approached the Gujarat High Court in the case of allegation of encroachment on a plot that belonged to Vadodara Municipal Corporation.

Yusuf Pathan’s lawyer presented arguments before the court on Thursday.

Vadodara Municipal Corporation standing committee chairman Sheetal Mistry said that since the matter has gone to the court, it remains to be seen what decision the court will take.

Former Vadodara BJP councillor Vijay Pawar raised this issue on June 13 and alleged that Yusuf Pathan had illegally occupied the Municipal Corporation plot next to his residence.

The Pathan family’s bungalow is located in Vadodara’s Tandlaja area. Right next to his bungalow is the Vadodara Municipal Corporation’s “TOWN PLANNING 22 FINAL PLOT 90” reserved plot.

In 2012, Yusuf Pathan had demanded this plot from the corporation to build his stable. The corporation had passed a resolution and gave permission to allot this plot to Yusuf Pathan, but when this request reached Gandhinagar in 2014, the state government rejected this request and refused to give this plot.

Yusuf Pathan has been accused of occupying this plot by building a compound wall. Vijay Pawar has written a letter to the Vadodara Municipal Corporation’s Standing Committee Chairman and Municipal Commissioner, demanding to remove this illegal occupation and take the plot back in the corporation’s possession.

When the Standing Committee Chairman was asked about this matter, he said that a notice has been given and a decision would be taken soon. He assured that the possession would be freed.

Following this, on June 15, another councilor of Vadodara, Nitin Donga, submitted a memorandum to the Municipal Commissioner of the city. In the memorandum, he demanded that a case of land grabbing be registered against Mr Pathan.

Nitin Donga also alleged that in the property declaration affidavit that has to be filed while filling the MP form, he has shown some part of that corporation plot as his ownership. In this regard, the Vadodara Municipal Commissioner said that they have given notice in this matter and further proceedings are going on.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Ahmedabad:

In the annals of India’s legal history, few cases have had as profound an impact as the 1862 Maharaj Libel Case.

This landmark case saw Karsandas Mulji, a fearless journalist and social reformer, take a stand against the powerful religious establishment of the Vallabhacharya sect.

This case is at the centre of ‘Maharaj’, the launch film of Junaid Khan, Aamir Khan’s son, whose release by Netflix has been stayed by the Gujarat High Court.

Mulji’s bold accusations of misconduct against Jadunathji Maharaj, a revered spiritual leader, played in the film by Jaideep Ahlawat, sparked a sensational trial that captivated the nation. The spiritual leader was accused of exploiting his female devotees in the guise of religious practices.

Interestingly, when Narendra Modi was Chief Minister of Gujarat, he praised Karsandas Mulji in a blog post, acknowledging his contributions to social reform and the bravery he exhibited during the Maharaj Libel Case.

PM Modi had highlighted Karsandas Mulji’s dedication to truth and justice, emphasising how his legacy continues to inspire his efforts towards transparency and accountability in public life.

In his blog on Independence Day in 2010, then chief minister Narendra Modi had written, “…Social reformist and journalist Karsandas Mulji’s newspaper too was titled “Satya-Prakash”. Gujarat has accepted the path of truth as its weapon to fight all forms of injustice, neglect and against those who try to defame us.”

He went on to write, “Saanch ne ave na Aanch” (There is no ignominy in speaking the truth). “Satya Chhapre Chadi ne Pokarshe” (Truth will always emerge). “Satya No Jay” (Truth always triumphs). This only is our faith.”

As Karsandas Mulji’s investigative journalism exposed the alleged exploitation of female devotees, the ensuing court battle highlighted the crucial role of the press in challenging entrenched power structures and promoting social justice.

This is the story of a journalist’s unwavering commitment to truth and the enduring legacy of a case that redefined the boundaries of religious and journalistic authority in India.

Originally slated for release on Netflix on June 14, the film has faced opposition from followers of the Vaishnavite Pushtimargi sect.

These followers, devotees of Lord Krishna, argue that the film misrepresents their religious practices and disrespects their beliefs. This prompted a petition to the Gujarat High Court, which ordered the temporary stay on the film’s release.

The Maharaj Libel Case of 1862 was a pivotal moment in Indian legal and social history.

Karsandas Mulji published his accusations in his Gujarati weekly newspaper, ‘Satya Prakash’. Jadunathji Maharaj, in response, filed a libel suit against Mulji and the newspaper’s publisher, Nanabhai Rustomji Ranina.

The trial, in the Supreme Court of Bombay, garnered widespread public and media attention. Starting on January 25, 1862, and concluding on March 4, 1862, the case saw extensive testimonies from various individuals, including missionaries and doctors who corroborated Mulji’s allegations.

The judgment, delivered on April 22, 1862, was a landmark victory for Mulji. The court recognised his role as a journalist in exposing wrongdoing and promoting moral integrity in society. Mulji was ordered to be compensated Rs 11,500 for his legal costs, which amounted to Rs 13,000.

Liberals and reformists across India celebrated the verdict. Mulji was hailed as the “Indian Luther”, after the Protestant reformer Martin Luther, for his courage in challenging corrupt religious practices.

The case underscored the importance of press freedom and the vital role of journalism in social reform. It also led to increased scrutiny of religious figures and practices in India.

In the ongoing controversy, the petitioners argue that the film’s depiction of historical events could incite religious tensions and misinform the public about their beliefs.

The High Court’s decision to stay the film’s release highlights the judiciary’s role in balancing creative expression with societal harmony.

Legal experts have weighed in on the case, noting the complexities involved in adjudicating matters related to artistic freedom and religious sentiments.

“The court must carefully consider the historical context and the filmmakers’ intent while also ensuring that the portrayal does not lead to unrest or communal disharmony,” said lawyer and constitutional expert, Rajeev Dhavan.
 

Gandhinagar:

The Gujarat High Court on Monday lamented the heart-breaking death of 28 people, including nine children, after a fire ripped through a gaming zone in Rajkot that lacked the required permits.

The gaming zone – backed by six partners, of whom only two have been arrested so far, was set up in 2021, but did not apply for a fire safety certificate till this year, the court was told.

“This incident is an eye-opener. System’s eyes have opened after the death of innocent children. Such a game zone cannot be run at the cost of small children being killed,” the court said, directing the ruling BJP to file, as an affidavit, the report to be submitted a special investigative team.

The team – set up immediately after the blaze – had been given 72 hours to file a report (the provisional deadline, therefore, is Wednesday), but an interim document expected today.

“How can a game zone run without permission under the nose of the (city) corporation… of the local police station?” it asked, “When will families stop losing loved ones due to man-made tragedies? This needs to be answered…” The court directed all concerned civic bodies and fire departments to take necessary steps to ensure rules are followed for all structures, temporary or otherwise.

“Innocent people of the state should not die in fires like this,” the court also said, adding, “Such incidents like this are happening due to violation of fire safety rules.”

For the Rajkot incident, the court has demanded the municipal body chief and the concerned civic officers inform it of steps taken since 2021 to ensure city buildings are up to code; city officials and the state received a sharp reprimand earlier today after admitting that gaming zones in Rajkot and Ahmedabad did not have certain permits, including a critical NOC from the Fire Department.

“We can file contempt of court (charges)… but it is not necessary at this stage,” a furious court warned the heads of the Rajkot, Surat, Vadodara, and Rajkot municipal body chiefs.

The Chief Fire Officer of each city has also been hauled up; s/he has been told to submit an affidavit that details fire safety exits and equipment available at gaming zones in their jurisdiction.

They have also been told to submit reports for future planning. “The concerned corporation officials, including the commissioner, have to be fixed,” the court stressed.

READ | “Now Don’t Trust Gujarat Government”: Court On Rajkot Fire Lapses

Earlier today the Gujarat High Court said it could no longer “trust” the state government, which is controlled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP. This was after the Rajkot municipal body told the court its approval – for building and running the game zone – had not been taken.

“This has been going on for two-and-a-half years (referring to the Rajkot gaming zone). Are we to assume you turned a blind eye? What do you and your followers do?” the court thundered.

The hearing then went from bad to worse for the Rajkot municipal body after photographs showed officials at the gaming zone. “Who were these officers? Did they go there to play?” the court asked.

The court also ripped into the state government.

READ | Welding Sparks May Have Caused Fire At Gujarat Gaming Zone

“Have you gone blind? Did you fall asleep? Now we do not trust the local system and the state,” the court raged when told fire safety certification hearings have been unresolved for four years.

Newly-Wed Couple Killed

Among those who died in the Rajkot game zone fire were a newly-wed couple – Akshay Dholaria and his wife Khyati, as well as his sister-in-law, Harita, to unwind after the wedding festivities.

READ | Newly-Wed Couple, Bride’s Sister Killed In Rajkot Gaming Zone Fire

Akshay, 24, who lived with his parents in Canada, came to Rajkot to marry Khyati, 20. They had a court marriage last Saturday – a week before the tragedy.

READ | “Jumped From 1st Floor”: Survivor Recounts Escape From Fire

Those killed included five of the Jadeja family. including children between 10 and 15 years old.

Three Arrested, Six Suspended

Apart from the arrests six officials, including two cops and three civic body officials – have been suspended for “gross negligence”. Also, a police case – with charges of culpable homicide – has been filed against the six partners who owned the gaming zone.

READ | Bodies Burnt Beyond Recognition In Rajkot Fire, DNA Samples Taken

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has announced aid of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of those killed and Rs 50,000 each to the injured. Mr Modi has said he is “extremely distressed” by the tragedy.

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Ahmedabad:

Two days after a viral video showed a senior judge of the Gujarat High Court snapping at his colleague on the bench in an open court following disagreement over a matter, the former began the court session on Wednesday by apologising to her over the episode.

Justice Biren Vaishnav said he was sorry for what happened in the court on Monday.

The court was closed on Tuesday on account of Dussehra.

Justice Vaishnav, the senior judge on the bench had a heated exchange of words with puisne judge Justice Mauna Bhatt on October 23. The incident took place while Justice Vaishnav was passing an order in a matter and Justice Bhatt did not agree with it.

“What happened on Monday shouldn’t have happened. I was wrong. I am sorry for that, and we begin a new session,” Justice Vaishnav said as soon as the session began, in the presence of Justice Mauna Bhatt who is part of the division bench.

While the video of the Monday session of the division bench of Justices Vaishnav and Bhatt was pulled down from the official YouTube page of the Gujarat High Court, a purported video of the incident circulating on social media showed Justice Bhatt murmuring something to Justice Vaishnav when he was passing the order.

Upon this, Justice Vaishnav snapped, “Then you differ…We have differed in one, we can differ in the other.” Justice Bhatt then said, “It is not a question about differing.” To this, Justice Vaishnav said, “Then do not murmur, you pass a separate order. We are not taking other matters.” He then rose and left the courtroom.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Ahmedabad:

The Gujarat High Court on Monday said it was worried about a situation wherein protectors become perpetrators. It was hearing a suo motu PIL on two traffic police constables and a traffic brigade jawan allegedly extorting money from a couple travelling in a cab at night in Ahmedabad city.

The division bench of Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Aniruddha P Mayee sought a report on whether such incidents have occurred in other cities of Gujarat as well and directed authorities to ensure that helpline numbers are displayed in taxis in such a manner that persons in crisis can reach them easily.

“People are safe, no doubt. But if perpetrators are protectors…The issue here is not about criminals. Protectors are perpetrators, we are worried about this situation,” the Chief Justice said when government pleader Manisha Lavkumar Shah told the bench that Gujarat is perhaps the safest state.

The government pleader told the high court that an FIR was lodged against the concerned traffic officials and the TRB jawan on the very next day and they were arrested a day after. While the two constables were suspended, the service of the TRB jawan — who are employed on an honorarium basis– was terminated, Ms Shah said.

A probe has also been launched against them under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the police commissioner issued a circular to ensure that citizens coming from stations during night hours are not harassed.

Strict instructions are issued to all in-charge officers of police stations to carry out rollcall of officers and home guard jawans, Ms Shah said.

“All police officers and home guard jawans in night round are directed to have their name plates on their uniforms, and strict action should be taken if they are found missing,” the government pleader told the high court.

The high court directed police to conclude the department inquiry against the suspended constables in a time-bound manner and kept the matter for the next hearing on September 20.

The court had taken suo motu cognizance of a news report about the “disturbing fact” of two traffic police jawans and a TRB jawan forcibly entering a cab during a checking drive late at night. They allegedly threatened to book the couple, who was on their way home from Ahmedabad airport after returning from abroad, for violation of the police commissioner’s notification.

As per the report, one of the policemen took the male passenger to the police van while the other two sat in the cab, wherein the woman was with her one-year-old son. The incident terrified the couple as it occurred at an isolated spot.

The constables demanded Rs 2 lakh to let the couple off but eventually settled for Rs 60,000 as the couple did not have enough cash. The accused also took the male passenger to an ATM nearby and forced him to withdraw the cash, the court had noted while stating the report.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)