Gujarat HC Rejects Appeal to Modify Gaming Zone Ban After Deadly Fire

The Gujarat High Court has dismissed a plea from a Surat-based gaming zone seeking modification of an earlier order that prohibited the operation of all gaming zones in the state.

This decision is connected to the TRP Game Zone fire in Rajkot, which resulted in the deaths of 27 people in May.

A bench consisting of Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Pranav Trivedi stated, “There is no question of modifying the order dated 27.05.2024, as the Corporation is duty-bound to ensure that no gaming zones operate in the State unless they comply with the necessary conditions and requirements for running such activities.”

The division bench was reviewing an application by ETS Jump Trampoline and Adventure Pvt Ltd., which operates Woop Dome, a gaming zone in Surat. The entity argued that it had been running since 2019 with the required permissions, including a Fire Safety Certificate, an Occupancy Certificate, and a Stability Certificate. Despite this, the Surat Municipal Corporation sealed the gaming zone on May 26 following the TRP Game Zone fire incident.

The applicant contended that the sudden closure was causing significant losses and claimed that the closure notice was issued without an opportunity to present its defense. They argued that the notice was issued with a “predetermined mind” and that the action breached principles of natural justice.

However, the bench noted that the application itself indicated that the May 26 closure notice was served after an inspection by Surat Municipal Corporation officers. The high court remarked that the applicant should address any alleged “illegal action” by the corporation through its own legal action, and dismissed the modification application as “misconceived.”

Following the fire, which claimed the lives of 27 individuals, including four children, on May 25, the high court had directed on May 27 that “no gaming zone throughout the State shall be permitted to operate until further orders.”