Gujarat High Court Demands Action Report on Morbi Bridge Collapse, Reviews Oreva Group’s Compensation Plan

The Gujarat High Court has ordered the state government to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) detailing steps taken against officials of the Morbi municipality following the October 2022 bridge collapse that claimed 135 lives. Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Pranav Trivedi noted the government’s failure to act against erring officials despite a Special Investigation Team (SIT) report highlighting their inaction. The court emphasized the need for accountability, specifically targeting the Nagarpalika officers involved.

In addition, the court discussed the compensation proposal by the Oreva Group, responsible for the bridge’s operation and maintenance. The group proposed a monthly payment of ₹12,000 to each surviving victim and the kin of the deceased, along with covering educational expenses for children who lost a parent in the incident. The court directed the Oreva Group’s trust to establish a clear mechanism to implement these payments.

Amidst the ongoing legal proceedings, ten individuals, including Oreva Group CMD Jaysukh Patel and other officials, have been charged with culpable homicide. An affidavit submitted to the court by a relative of two victims called for individualized compensation and suggested that the bridge repair be handled by a technical team from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The affidavit urged the court to hold the Oreva Group and state authorities accountable for the tragedy and the ensuing restoration costs.

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