Morbi Bridge Collapse- Gujarat High Court Takes Suo Motu Cognizance, Directs Filing Of Status Report

The Gujarat High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the Morbi Bridge collapse incident that occurred on October 30, 2022. The High Court has directed the State Government and the State Human Rights Commission to file a report by the next date of hearing.

The bench of Chief Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice Ashutosh J. Shastri took cognizance of the news published in the Times of India newspaper and directed the Registry to register the news report as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) which reflected the untimely death of 134 persons due to break down of suspension bridge of Morbi.

"We have taken cognizance of the news item published in the Times of India newspaper dated 31.10.2022 and one of us (Hon'ble The Chief Justice) had directed the Registry to register the news report as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) which reflected the untimely death of 134 persons due to break down of suspension bridge of Morbi and on account of Courts' having been closed due to 'Diwali Vacation', telephonic instructions were issued to the Registrar Judicial to treat the said article as suo moto PIL by registering it accordingly, after necessary formalities.", the bench observed.

The Court directed the registry to implead the State of Gujarat represented by its Chief Secretary, the State of Gujarat, Department of Home, Government of Gujarat, represented by its Home Secretary, Commissioner of Municipalities, Government of Gujarat, Morbi Nagar Palika represented by its Chief Officer, Collector, Morbi District, Morbi and State Human Rights Commission as respondents 1 to 6.

Assistant Government Pleader K.M. Antani has accepted notice for respondents.

"Respondents 1 and 2 shall file its status report by next Monday. The State Human Rights Commission shall file a report in this regard by next date of hearing.", the Court directed while posting the matter on November 14, 2022.

Cause Title- Suo Motu v. State of Gujarat

Click here to read/download the Order