Bombay High Court’s Response to Mumbai Drowning Tragedy

During the hearing of the PIL initiated suo motu by a division bench comprising Justices Gautam S Patel and Kamal R Khata, the court addressed the tragic incident of the drowning of two young boys, aged 4 and 5, in a water tank within a civic garden. This incident occurred on April 1 and raised concerns about the lack of a proper cover on the water tank, posing a serious risk to public safety.

The Bombay High Court heard a case regarding the tragic drowning of two boys in an open water tank in a garden in the city of Wadala in Mumbai. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) informed the Bombay High Court that ad-hoc compensation of Rs 10 lakhs as a special case will be given to the parents of two minor boys who drowned in an open water tank at a civic garden in Mumbai’s Wadala. The contractor in charge of the area is paying 5 lakhs per victim and steps have been taken to ensure that the water tank is properly covered now to avoid such accidents in the future.

However, the court emphasized the need for a systematic approach to determining accountability and awarding compensation in cases of negligence by municipal corporations and other civic bodies. This underscores the court’s commitment to ensuring justice for victims and their families, as well as holding responsible parties accountable for their actions or lack thereof.

The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing public safety and implementing measures to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future. It highlights the need for stringent regulations and oversight to ensure that infrastructure and public facilities are adequately maintained and pose no threat to the well-being of citizens, particularly vulnerable groups such as children.

Furthermore, the court’s intervention in this matter showcases the judiciary’s role in upholding the rights of individuals and seeking redress for grievances caused by negligence or oversight on the part of governmental bodies. By initiating suo motu PILs and actively engaging with issues of public concern, the judiciary plays a vital role in promoting accountability, transparency, and ultimately, justice in society.