Rajkot, November 5, 2024 – The Gujarat High Court recently cleared two former municipal commissioners of Rajkot in connection with the illegal operation of the TRP Game Zone, where a devastating fire claimed the lives of 27 people in May. The court's decision, handed down on October 25, found that the necessary approvals and procedures for the establishment of the TRP Game Zone were conducted illegally at the level of the Town Planning Officer, and neither of the municipal commissioners had been involved in the approvals process.

The division bench, led by Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Pranav Trivedi, concluded that at no point did the file concerning the TRP Game Zone reach the level of the municipal commissioners during their respective tenures. The bench also acknowledged that the matter was being heard as part of a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL), initiated just a day after the tragic fire on May 26, which resulted in significant loss of life.

While the two former commissioners, Anand Babulal Patel and Amit Arora, were exonerated in terms of their direct involvement in the approvals process, the court made it clear that the issue of providing compensation to the victims of the fire remains unresolved. The bench emphasized that the question of holding officials accountable for compensation would be considered when the occasion arises.

Patel, who served as Rajkot Municipal Commissioner from April 2023 to May 2024, expressed deep regret for the tragedy, stating that the incident had personally affected him despite his efforts to fulfill his duties to the best of his abilities. "This has been a personal toll, and I wish I could have done more," Patel said in his affidavit submitted to the court.

Arora, who held the position from June 2021 to April 2023, similarly expressed his remorse. While attending a birthday celebration at the TRP Game Zone on the day of the fire, Arora mentioned that he had no prior knowledge of the establishment operating without proper permits. "Had I known about the illegal operation of the TRP Game Zone, I would have taken immediate and strict action," Arora stated. "The tragedy was heart-wrenching, and I deeply regret what happened."

The fire, which started on May 25, 2024, engulfed the TRP Game Zone during a celebration, trapping many inside. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and raised serious concerns about the lack of safety measures and illegal operations in public entertainment zones.

The Gujarat High Court’s ruling, while clearing the officials of direct responsibility, has put the spotlight on the deeper issues of oversight and accountability within local government bodies. Legal experts and community leaders have called for more stringent enforcement of safety regulations and more transparency in the approval process for such establishments.

Community Outrage and Calls for Justice

The victims' families and the local community have been left devastated by the tragedy. The loss of young lives, many of whom were reportedly attending the celebration in a festive mood, has prompted calls for justice and accountability. "This tragedy should have been prevented. The government officials should have known what was happening in their own city," said Neha Shah, a local activist.

Survivors of the fire have also raised concerns about the lack of proper safety measures at such entertainment venues. "There were no clear evacuation routes, no fire extinguishers, and the doors were locked. We just didn’t stand a chance," said Rajkot resident Harish Patel, who narrowly escaped the flames.

Looking Ahead: A Call for Greater Accountability and Safety Regulations

As the legal proceedings continue, there is growing pressure on local authorities to review the regulations governing entertainment and public venues. “We cannot allow such incidents to happen again,” said Rajkot Mayor Meera Desai. "It’s not just about the officials who are responsible. The system itself needs reform to ensure that safety comes first."

With compensation for the victims still to be decided, the people of Rajkot are left searching for justice, not just for the families of the victims but also for a system that has failed to protect its citizens.