Gujarat Government Misled High Court About Bridge Conditions

In a recent case surrounding the Morbi bridge disaster, the Gujarat High Court has intervened by filing a suo motu public interest litigation. The court demanded a detailed report from the state government regarding the inspection and condition of all bridges in Gujarat. The government claimed that almost all bridges were in a safe state. However, these claims have been deemed false and misleading by the court. Chief Justice Sunita Agrawal expressed serious concerns about the condition of other bridges in the state, emphasizing the need for the government to take strict measures to prevent further accidents and protect the lives of innocent citizens. The High Court ordered the government to conduct inspections of all bridges before and after the monsoon season and to prepare a status report. The government assured the court that these inspections would be carried out. Nevertheless, Chief Justice Agrawal warned that bridges could be washed away during the monsoon, highlighting the importance of taking precautions before the rainy season. The court also pointed out that during the case, the state government presented a status report claiming that all bridges were safe. Officials, engineers, and related authorities asserted that appropriate measures were being taken following inspections. However, these claims were contradicted by the recent bridge disaster that occurred. The High Court raised questions about the capacity of the Roads and Buildings Department in maintaining historic bridges and suggested that the state should verify the capability and expertise of private individuals contracted for bridge repairs. Chief Justice Agrawal stated that consulting the Archaeological Survey of India is essential for preserving historic and ancient bridges. The court firmly stated that losing either a human life or a piece of historical heritage is unacceptable. At that time, the government claimed that 1,441 bridges were in good condition, while several other bridges had become too old to be used safely. This situation raises serious concerns about public safety and the accountability of the state government regarding infrastructure maintenance.