Thread by @barandbench

Gujarat High Court is hearing suo motu PIL taken up over the sudden collapse of 'Julto Pul' alias Morbi Bridge, which took place on October 30.
Over 135 citizens have died in the incident and 100s were left injured.

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#MorbiTragedy

Additional Solicitor General Devang Vyas appears for Morbi Nagarpalika.

Advocate General Kamal Trivedi and Senior Adv Manisha Lavkumar represents the State.

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ASG Devang Vyas submitted some affidavit filed as per previous orders. He is reading out the report.

AG Kamal Trivedi is reading out from the State's affidavit.

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#MorbiTragedy

The judges and also the advocates' mics are off... Submissions aren't audible.

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CJ Kumar notes that a committee has strongly recommended that any structure that is being used by the public should be periodically inspected by the concerned authorities n guidelines must be used for safety, security, operations and maintenance of structures

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Order: They also recommend that these facilities should be designated to competent personnel apart from storing adequate safety and rescue equipments on site to response to untoward situation

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Order: Though in the affidavit, the State has assured this court to act swiftly and in letter and spirit vis-a-vis initiation of disciplinary proceedings against then Chief Officer of Morbi.

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Order: Preliminary findings of the committee shows that the main cable was formed by seven strands each comprising 7 steel wires like this total 49 wires were used. It showed over 22 were rusted and we're broken. It aid also come to record that the 27 wires had recently broken.

Order: It would also indicate that no structural test or load test was conducted before opening the bridge. Even the movement of bridge was not regulated and several design faults were found on the bridge which led to its failure.

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Order: In fact, the report suggests that the company which Nagarpalika had signed MoU n had outsourced the repair works to non-competent agency. We do not find if any imputation of charges have been issued against erring officer though precious life of 135 persons have been lost.

Order: This court vide its order on November had called for steps, the State would take for exigencies which had occasioned on account of fall of the bridge.

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#MorbiTragedy

Order: We hope and trust by next date, the State shall put on record, the proposed policies and specify the number of pubic structures used by the public regularly and periodically.

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#MorbiTragedy

Bench now hears arguments from Adv Koshti, who had sought enhanced compensation for all the victims and also a proper probe by the NIA like independent agency in the incident.

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Adv Koshti informs the bench that the State hasn't been properly disbursing money to the children, who have become orphans in the incident.
Bench asks State to respond to the issue raised.

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Bench notes that Gujarat has several heritage sites like the spring stairs, which receive hundreds of football on a daily basis. Thus, the State is asked for a structural report of all these structures.

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#MorbiTragedy

Adv Koshti again points out that some injured witnesses are receiving treatment in private hospitals and are charging extra money.
Bench asks if any specific complaint is made?

Adv: no Milords..

CJ: So don't make such off the cuff remarks now.

Bench appoints two young lawyers as Amicus Curaie.

"Let the youngsters do this and let them learn. Its time they work for society. They will be paid by Legal Services Authority," CJ

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Advocates Varun Patel and Shikha Panchal are appointed as Amicus Curaie.

Matter to be heard again on January 16, 2023.

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#MorbiTragedy