Morbi Bridge Collapse: Gujarat HC Orders Amicus Curiae to Meet Victims

The Gujarat High Court on Tuesday instructed the amicus curiae, along with an independent lawyer, to meet with victims of the Morbi suspension bridge collapse to understand the ground reality and submit a report.

The British-era bridge over the Machchu River collapsed on October 30, 2022, resulting in 135 fatalities and 56 injuries.

A bench led by Chief Justice (CJ) Sunita Agarwal was hearing a suo motu PIL concerning the bridge collapse incident.

“We are proposing that someone should go and talk to the victims on behalf of the court. Amicus should visit the victims, talk to them, try to understand the ground reality, and submit the report,” the chief justice stated. She added that an additional lawyer should accompany the amicus curiae to provide an independent assessment after meeting the victims and understanding their issues.

Noting that one of the victims had refused compensation, the Chief Justice emphasized that lawyers should counsel the concerned individual.

The amicus curiae (independent advisor to the court in a particular case) and the lawyer were instructed to schedule their visit in August, with necessary logistical support to be provided by the district collector.

Advocate General Kamal Trivedi submitted that the Trust formed by the Oreva Group, responsible for operating and maintaining the bridge, met on July 18 and decided to delegate some of its members to visit the victims every three months to address their needs and requirements.

He added that the district child protection officer would accompany the trustee during visits to the seven children orphaned by the tragedy. Additionally, 14 other children who lost one parent will be visited once every three months.