Gujarat High Court Takes Charge: Demands Action Report on Tragic Boat Capsize

Responding to the tragic incident of a boat capsizing in Harni Lake, Vadodara, claiming the lives of 12 students and 2 teachers, the Gujarat High Court has taken a proactive stance. A division bench, led by Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Aniruddha Mayee, "took suo motu cognizance" of the incident on January 19.

Expressing deep concern, Chief Justice Agarwal underscored the gravity of the situation, calling it "one of the most tragic incidents." The court acted swiftly, demanding an action report from the State's Home Department on the steps taken in response to the incident. The bench's order stated, "This whole incident has shocked the conscience of the public in general."

GHCAA President Brijesh Trivedi brought the incident to the court's attention, presenting news articles related to the tragedy. Chief Justice Agarwal, empathizing with the victims, shared a personal anecdote about a similar incident during her college years, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to safety norms.

During the proceedings, a government counsel revealed that the boat had overturned due to exceeding its capacity. Chief Justice Agarwal dismissed this explanation, stating, "This isn't an excuse. If you do not have boats, don't let people in. It is a simple solution. We will look into this issue."

The court has scheduled the next hearing for January 29, expecting a comprehensive action report from the Home Department. This proactive approach by the Gujarat High Court reflects a commitment to address the aftermath of the tragic incident and prevent future lapses in safety measures.

Author: Anushka Taraniya

News writer, MIT ADT University