Ahmedabad:

The Gujarat High Court on Thursday again rapped the state government over the Rajkot game zone fire that killed 27 persons in May, wondering why a demolition order against the illegal structure was not executed for nearly a year.

The censure came in response to an affidavit submitted to the division bench of Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Pranav Trivedi that has been hearing a suo motu PIL (public interest litigation) it had taken up on May 26, a day after the tragedy.

The Gujarat government on Thursday also submitted its “fact-finding inquiry” report in a sealed cover to the HC on the TRP game zone blaze in Rajkot.

The bench last month had expressed displeasure over the investigation into the fire and ordered a “fact-finding inquiry” to uncover how the illegal game zone had come up and what roles officials played in it.

This had prompted the Gujarat government to appoint a “fact-finding committee” comprising IAS officers Manisha Chandra (Commissioner of Rural Development), P Swaroop (Commissioner of Land Reforms) and Rajkumar Beniwal (Vice Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Gujarat Maritime Board).

While going through the state’s affidavit on Thursday, the chief justice said though the officials of the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) were aware that the TRP game zone was illegal, no action was taken against it despite a demolition order being served to the management in June 2023.

“A demolition order was issued by the RMC. One year has passed since then (till the fire incident). Why was it not executed? Where is the answer? That demolition order proves that officials knew that the structure was illegal,” the CJ said.

When Advocate General Kamal Trivedi pointed out that the present Municipal Commissioner has already suspended RMC’s Town Planning Officer (TPO) and an Assistant TPO for negligence, Chief Justice Agarwal said it was not enough.

“Taking action against a few people will not help you. The working (style) has to be revisited. There are loopholes and lapses which need to be taken care of. You cannot put this state in this situation. It is very serious that such incidents are happening,” noted the chief justice.

The bench also expressed displeasure over the state government’s submission that the then Rajkot municipal commissioner was unaware of the illegal structure because TPO and his office were dealing with the matter and the demolition notice was sent by TPO, not the civic chief.

“You can’t say that this was not brought to my notice. It’s not an excuse. Even I can’t say that. I have to take responsibility for everything, good or bad. This should be the approach of the head of an institution,” the CJ said.

Since a report from the state government-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) is still pending, the court has asked Mr Trivedi to submit it as well as an Action Taken Report on July 25, when the matter will be heard next.

Twenty-seven persons, including four children, were killed in the massive fire that swept through the game zone in the Nana-Mava locality of Rajkot city on May 25.

A probe revealed that the game zone was running without any no objection certificate (NOC) from the fire department of the RMC.

Vadodara:

Cricketer-turned-politician Yusuf Pathan has approached the Gujarat High Court in the case of allegation of encroachment on a plot that belonged to Vadodara Municipal Corporation.

Yusuf Pathan’s lawyer presented arguments before the court on Thursday.

Vadodara Municipal Corporation standing committee chairman Sheetal Mistry said that since the matter has gone to the court, it remains to be seen what decision the court will take.

Former Vadodara BJP councillor Vijay Pawar raised this issue on June 13 and alleged that Yusuf Pathan had illegally occupied the Municipal Corporation plot next to his residence.

The Pathan family’s bungalow is located in Vadodara’s Tandlaja area. Right next to his bungalow is the Vadodara Municipal Corporation’s “TOWN PLANNING 22 FINAL PLOT 90” reserved plot.

In 2012, Yusuf Pathan had demanded this plot from the corporation to build his stable. The corporation had passed a resolution and gave permission to allot this plot to Yusuf Pathan, but when this request reached Gandhinagar in 2014, the state government rejected this request and refused to give this plot.

Yusuf Pathan has been accused of occupying this plot by building a compound wall. Vijay Pawar has written a letter to the Vadodara Municipal Corporation’s Standing Committee Chairman and Municipal Commissioner, demanding to remove this illegal occupation and take the plot back in the corporation’s possession.

When the Standing Committee Chairman was asked about this matter, he said that a notice has been given and a decision would be taken soon. He assured that the possession would be freed.

Following this, on June 15, another councilor of Vadodara, Nitin Donga, submitted a memorandum to the Municipal Commissioner of the city. In the memorandum, he demanded that a case of land grabbing be registered against Mr Pathan.

Nitin Donga also alleged that in the property declaration affidavit that has to be filed while filling the MP form, he has shown some part of that corporation plot as his ownership. In this regard, the Vadodara Municipal Commissioner said that they have given notice in this matter and further proceedings are going on.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Ahmedabad:

The Gujarat High Court on Thursday extended its interim stay to the release of “Maharaj”, the debut film of Bollywood star Aamir Khan’s son Junaid, for one more day.

The film is based on an 1862 libel case involving a Vaishnavite religious leader and social reformer Karsandas Mulji, but some members of the Pushtimarg sect have filed a petition against its release on Netflix, claiming that it hurts religious sentiments.

The petitioners’ lawyer advocate Mihir Joshi on Thursday argued that Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, which gives the right to freedom of speech and expression, is not a “license to insult” and the law does not protect publishers (such as OTT platforms) only because their creation is based on true events.

As Mr Joshi wanted to argue further, Justice Sangeeta Vishen extended the stay to the film’s release for one more day, adjourning the hearing to Friday afternoon.

The petitioners claimed that the British-era court which decided the 1862 libel case castigated the Hindu religion and made blasphemous comments against Lord Krishna as well as certain devotional songs and hymns.

During Thursday’s hearing, advocate Joshi said the petitioners had approached the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, requesting it to take steps to stop the release, but there was no response.

The ministry has the powers to ensure compliance with the code of ethics under the Information Technology Act, he said.

“The rules of 2021 talk about standards to be maintained by a publisher under code of ethics. Netflix is a publisher in this case. I&B Ministry can issue orders to adhere to the code of ethics. If I file a complaint, the ministry can refer it to an inter-departmental committee. Committee can order deletion or modification of content,” said Joshi.

The content of the film is “incendiary” and likely to incite hatred and violence against the Pushtimarg sect, the lawyer claimed.

“This is not M F Hussain’s painting where artistry is involved. They picked something incendiary. Article 19(1)(a) is not a license to insult. Even the Supreme Court had said that even if a movie gets a CBFC certificate, an injunction can be granted. The SC had even said it is up to courts to decide and a certificate is not final,” said Joshi.

If the court, after watching the film, finds there is “no running down of any religion”, he will not argue further, the petitioners’ lawyer added.

As the film is said to be based on a trial, there would be scenes where witnesses would be saying ‘your religion teaches immorality’, advocate Joshi contended, adding that it could not be permitted just because it is based on true events.

“The Supreme Court had said that truth is not an answer to defamation,” said the lawyer.

The 1862 libel case arose from an article written by Karsandas Mulji in a Gujarati weekly, alleging that a Vaishnavaite leader had liaisons with his female devotees.

Yash Raj Films (YRF), producer of “Maharaj”, has offered to provide the court pre-release access to the film for deciding whether it hurts the religious sentiments of any community. The judge has not yet decided whether she would watch the film.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Ahmedabad:

In the annals of India’s legal history, few cases have had as profound an impact as the 1862 Maharaj Libel Case.

This landmark case saw Karsandas Mulji, a fearless journalist and social reformer, take a stand against the powerful religious establishment of the Vallabhacharya sect.

This case is at the centre of ‘Maharaj’, the launch film of Junaid Khan, Aamir Khan’s son, whose release by Netflix has been stayed by the Gujarat High Court.

Mulji’s bold accusations of misconduct against Jadunathji Maharaj, a revered spiritual leader, played in the film by Jaideep Ahlawat, sparked a sensational trial that captivated the nation. The spiritual leader was accused of exploiting his female devotees in the guise of religious practices.

Interestingly, when Narendra Modi was Chief Minister of Gujarat, he praised Karsandas Mulji in a blog post, acknowledging his contributions to social reform and the bravery he exhibited during the Maharaj Libel Case.

PM Modi had highlighted Karsandas Mulji’s dedication to truth and justice, emphasising how his legacy continues to inspire his efforts towards transparency and accountability in public life.

In his blog on Independence Day in 2010, then chief minister Narendra Modi had written, “…Social reformist and journalist Karsandas Mulji’s newspaper too was titled “Satya-Prakash”. Gujarat has accepted the path of truth as its weapon to fight all forms of injustice, neglect and against those who try to defame us.”

He went on to write, “Saanch ne ave na Aanch” (There is no ignominy in speaking the truth). “Satya Chhapre Chadi ne Pokarshe” (Truth will always emerge). “Satya No Jay” (Truth always triumphs). This only is our faith.”

As Karsandas Mulji’s investigative journalism exposed the alleged exploitation of female devotees, the ensuing court battle highlighted the crucial role of the press in challenging entrenched power structures and promoting social justice.

This is the story of a journalist’s unwavering commitment to truth and the enduring legacy of a case that redefined the boundaries of religious and journalistic authority in India.

Originally slated for release on Netflix on June 14, the film has faced opposition from followers of the Vaishnavite Pushtimargi sect.

These followers, devotees of Lord Krishna, argue that the film misrepresents their religious practices and disrespects their beliefs. This prompted a petition to the Gujarat High Court, which ordered the temporary stay on the film’s release.

The Maharaj Libel Case of 1862 was a pivotal moment in Indian legal and social history.

Karsandas Mulji published his accusations in his Gujarati weekly newspaper, ‘Satya Prakash’. Jadunathji Maharaj, in response, filed a libel suit against Mulji and the newspaper’s publisher, Nanabhai Rustomji Ranina.

The trial, in the Supreme Court of Bombay, garnered widespread public and media attention. Starting on January 25, 1862, and concluding on March 4, 1862, the case saw extensive testimonies from various individuals, including missionaries and doctors who corroborated Mulji’s allegations.

The judgment, delivered on April 22, 1862, was a landmark victory for Mulji. The court recognised his role as a journalist in exposing wrongdoing and promoting moral integrity in society. Mulji was ordered to be compensated Rs 11,500 for his legal costs, which amounted to Rs 13,000.

Liberals and reformists across India celebrated the verdict. Mulji was hailed as the “Indian Luther”, after the Protestant reformer Martin Luther, for his courage in challenging corrupt religious practices.

The case underscored the importance of press freedom and the vital role of journalism in social reform. It also led to increased scrutiny of religious figures and practices in India.

In the ongoing controversy, the petitioners argue that the film’s depiction of historical events could incite religious tensions and misinform the public about their beliefs.

The High Court’s decision to stay the film’s release highlights the judiciary’s role in balancing creative expression with societal harmony.

Legal experts have weighed in on the case, noting the complexities involved in adjudicating matters related to artistic freedom and religious sentiments.

“The court must carefully consider the historical context and the filmmakers’ intent while also ensuring that the portrayal does not lead to unrest or communal disharmony,” said lawyer and constitutional expert, Rajeev Dhavan.
 

Gandhinagar:

The Gujarat High Court on Monday lamented the heart-breaking death of 28 people, including nine children, after a fire ripped through a gaming zone in Rajkot that lacked the required permits.

The gaming zone – backed by six partners, of whom only two have been arrested so far, was set up in 2021, but did not apply for a fire safety certificate till this year, the court was told.

“This incident is an eye-opener. System’s eyes have opened after the death of innocent children. Such a game zone cannot be run at the cost of small children being killed,” the court said, directing the ruling BJP to file, as an affidavit, the report to be submitted a special investigative team.

The team – set up immediately after the blaze – had been given 72 hours to file a report (the provisional deadline, therefore, is Wednesday), but an interim document expected today.

“How can a game zone run without permission under the nose of the (city) corporation… of the local police station?” it asked, “When will families stop losing loved ones due to man-made tragedies? This needs to be answered…” The court directed all concerned civic bodies and fire departments to take necessary steps to ensure rules are followed for all structures, temporary or otherwise.

“Innocent people of the state should not die in fires like this,” the court also said, adding, “Such incidents like this are happening due to violation of fire safety rules.”

For the Rajkot incident, the court has demanded the municipal body chief and the concerned civic officers inform it of steps taken since 2021 to ensure city buildings are up to code; city officials and the state received a sharp reprimand earlier today after admitting that gaming zones in Rajkot and Ahmedabad did not have certain permits, including a critical NOC from the Fire Department.

“We can file contempt of court (charges)… but it is not necessary at this stage,” a furious court warned the heads of the Rajkot, Surat, Vadodara, and Rajkot municipal body chiefs.

The Chief Fire Officer of each city has also been hauled up; s/he has been told to submit an affidavit that details fire safety exits and equipment available at gaming zones in their jurisdiction.

They have also been told to submit reports for future planning. “The concerned corporation officials, including the commissioner, have to be fixed,” the court stressed.

READ | “Now Don’t Trust Gujarat Government”: Court On Rajkot Fire Lapses

Earlier today the Gujarat High Court said it could no longer “trust” the state government, which is controlled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP. This was after the Rajkot municipal body told the court its approval – for building and running the game zone – had not been taken.

“This has been going on for two-and-a-half years (referring to the Rajkot gaming zone). Are we to assume you turned a blind eye? What do you and your followers do?” the court thundered.

The hearing then went from bad to worse for the Rajkot municipal body after photographs showed officials at the gaming zone. “Who were these officers? Did they go there to play?” the court asked.

The court also ripped into the state government.

READ | Welding Sparks May Have Caused Fire At Gujarat Gaming Zone

“Have you gone blind? Did you fall asleep? Now we do not trust the local system and the state,” the court raged when told fire safety certification hearings have been unresolved for four years.

Newly-Wed Couple Killed

Among those who died in the Rajkot game zone fire were a newly-wed couple – Akshay Dholaria and his wife Khyati, as well as his sister-in-law, Harita, to unwind after the wedding festivities.

READ | Newly-Wed Couple, Bride’s Sister Killed In Rajkot Gaming Zone Fire

Akshay, 24, who lived with his parents in Canada, came to Rajkot to marry Khyati, 20. They had a court marriage last Saturday – a week before the tragedy.

READ | “Jumped From 1st Floor”: Survivor Recounts Escape From Fire

Those killed included five of the Jadeja family. including children between 10 and 15 years old.

Three Arrested, Six Suspended

Apart from the arrests six officials, including two cops and three civic body officials – have been suspended for “gross negligence”. Also, a police case – with charges of culpable homicide – has been filed against the six partners who owned the gaming zone.

READ | Bodies Burnt Beyond Recognition In Rajkot Fire, DNA Samples Taken

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has announced aid of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of those killed and Rs 50,000 each to the injured. Mr Modi has said he is “extremely distressed” by the tragedy.

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Gandhinagar:

Two days after a video gaming zone in Rajkot burst into flames and killed 28 people, including nine children, and left their bodies burnt beyond recognition, the city’s municipal body came under fire from the Gujarat High Court for failing to certify at least two such structures in the city.

The court was furious when told two gaming zones had been operating – for over 24 months each – without the required permits, including fire safety certificates, and said it could no longer “trust” the state government, which is controlled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party.

This was after the Rajkot municipal body said, in court, that “our approval was not taken…”

“This has been going on for two-and-a-half years (referring to the Rajkot gaming zone). Are we to assume you turned a blind eye? What do you and your followers do?” the court thundered.

The Rajkot gaming zone, it has emerged, was granted a license by local cops in November last year, which was renewed to December 31, 2024, Rajkot Police Commissioner Raju Bhargava said.

The hearing then went from bad to worse for the Rajkot municipal body after photographs showed officials at the gaming zone. “Who were these officers? Did they go there to play?” the court asked.

The court also ripped into the state government.

“Have you gone blind? Did you fall asleep? Now we do not trust the local system and the state,” the court raged when told fire safety certification hearings have been unresolved for four years.

Advocate Manisha Luv Kumar Shah, appearing for the state government, also acknowledged that two other gaming zones – in Ahmedabad – did not have permission to operate, and said a special team had been formed to investigate all such issues and file a report within 72 hours.

This includes mini-gaming zones inside malls, the court was told, for a total of 34 in the city, of which three do not have a no-objection certificate – a mandatory requirement – from the fire department.

The state said a gaming zone cannot open sans such a certificate, to which the High Court – appearing increasingly irritated – shot back, “Then this rule was not followed in Rajkot.”

In an attempt to reassure the court of action being taken, the state said three owners had been arrested and the process of taking the rest into custody is “ongoing”.

Meanwhile, the court also pointed to “many incidents” in the past and said, “…we have given many decisions and instructions in the past four years. Even after that six incidents took place in the state.”

Among the major fire-related incidents in Gujarat since 2023 were a blaze at a chemical factory in Surat in November that killed seven people and injured a dozen more.

A few days earlier a fire at a city multiplex destroyed property and injured two employees.

In July there was a fire at an Ahmedabad hospital that forced the evacuation of 125 patients. There was also a massive blaze in firecracker shops in an industrial area of the city in May

In March a fire at a hospital in Surat killed an infant.

“People are dying due to (state) machinery (not working)…” the irate court observed.

Rajkot Gaming Zone Fire

On Saturday a massive blaze was reported from the Rajkot gaming zone.

READ | Welding Sparks May Have Caused Fire At Gujarat Gaming Zone

CCTV footage – which NDTV has not verified independently – showed a fire starting during welding work; sparks fell on plastic that caught fire and could not be contained by panic-stricken workers.

The fire may have also been the result of an electrical short circuit, sources said.

READ | Nine Children Among 28 Dead In Fire At Gujarat Gaming Zone

However, it started, as the fire spread a temporary structure collapsed near the entrance, trapping a number of people. The facility had only one emergency exit.

There was some fire safety equipment but action taken was insufficient, cops have said.

READ | Bodies Burnt Beyond Recognition In Rajkot Fire, DNA Samples Taken

The blaze burnt so fiercely that many of the bodies recovered could not be identified, forcing authorities to rely on DNA testing to identify the dead.

Newly-Wed Couple Killed

Among those who died in the Rajkot game zone fire were a newly-wed couple – Akshay Dholaria and his wife Khyati, as well as his sister-in-law, Harita, to unwind after the wedding festivities.

READ | Newly-Wed Couple, Bride’s Sister Killed In Rajkot Gaming Zone Fire

Akshay, 24, who lived with his parents in Canada, came to Rajkot to marry Khyati, 20. They had a court marriage last Saturday – a week before the tragedy.

READ | “Jumped From 1st Floor”: Survivor Recounts Escape From Fire

Those killed included five of the Jadeja family. including children between 10 and 15 years old.

Officials Suspended

This morning six officials, including two police officers and three civic body officials – were suspended for “gross negligence”. A police case – with charges of culpable homicide – has been filed against the six partners who owned the gaming zone, and two people have been arrested, the cops said.

READ | FIR Against 6 Partners Of Rajkot Game Zone After Fire, 2 Arrested

One of the arrested is Yuvrajsinh Solanki, one of the partners, and the facility’s manager, Nitin Jain.

The state has formed a five-member team – to be led by Additional Director General of Police Subhash Trivedi – to investigate the incident, and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has announced compensation of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of those killed and Rs 50,000 each to the injured.

Prime Minister Modi said he was “extremely distressed” by the tragedy.

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Ahmedabad:

A special bench of the Gujarat High Court on Sunday took suo motu cognizance of the fire incident at a game zone in Rajkot which left 27 persons dead and said it was prima facie a “man-made disaster”.

Such gaming zones and recreational facilities have come up without the necessary approvals from competent authorities, the bench of Justices Biren Vaishnav and Devan Desai observed.

The bench directed advocates of the Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, and Rajkot municipal corporations to appear before it on Monday with instructions as to under what provisions of law the authorities led these units to be set up or continue to operate under their jurisdiction.

Four children under the age of 12 were among the 27 persons killed and three others injured in the massive fire that swept through the game zone in Rajkot teeming with people enjoying a summer vacation outing on Saturday evening, as per the officials.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited the incident site at Nana-Mava road on Sunday morning and a hospital where the injured persons were admitted.

Read | Rajkot Gaming Zone Had Just One Exit, Was Running Without Fire License

“We are shocked to read newspaper reports which indicate that the gaming zone at Rajkot appears to have taken advantage of the loopholes in the Gujarat Comprehensive General Development Control Regulations (GDCR). These entertainment zones, as newspapers suggest, have come up without the necessary approvals from the competent authorities,” the court observed.

The High Court also wanted to know from the state government and the municipal corporations “whether such licenses, including the licenses to its use and compliance of fire safety regulations” were given to these respective (entertainment) zones that are in territorial jurisdiction of these corporations.

These entertainment zones, as newspapers suggest, have come up without the necessary approvals from the competent authorities, the court noted.

Quoting newspaper reports, the high court said temporary structures were created at the TRP game zone in Rajkot in order to overcome the hurdles caused by taking necessary permissions, no-objection certificates, including the fire NOC and construction permission.

Read | “Jumped From 1st Floor”: Survivor Recounts Escape From Gujarat Gaming Zone

Not just Rajkot, such game zones have come up in Ahmedabad city as well and they “pose a significant threat to public safety, specially the innocent children,” it said.

“Apart from having constructed such gaming zones/ recreational activities, they have been put to use apparently, according to our information through the newspaper reports, without permission,” the court said.

“Prima facie, a man-made disaster has occurred where innocent lives of children have been lost” and families have grieved their loss, it said.

A stock of highly inflammable materials such as petrol, fibres, and fibre glass sheets were stored at the Rajkot game zone where the fire occurred, the court noted.

Read | Bodies Burnt Beyond Recognition In Rajkot Fire, DNA Samples Collected

The court listed the suo motu petition for further hearing on Monday, with a direction to the panel advocates for the respective corporations to appear before it with instructions as to “under what provisions of law these corporations led these gaming zones/recreational facilities to be set up or continue and be put to use.” The bench also allowed a civil application in a PIL on fire safety being heard by the court that was moved by the party-in-person, Amit Panchal, for an urgent hearing.

Mr Panchal in his note claimed the devastating fire shows there has been non-compliance with provisions of the Gujarat Provincial Municipal Corporations Act, 1949, Gujarat Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2013, the rules and regulations framed under it, as well as directions issued by the Supreme Court and the Gujarat High Court.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Ahmedabad:

The Gujarat High Court on Friday asked Oreva Group, the company responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Morbi bridge that collapsed on October 30, 2022, killing 135 persons, to provide jobs or monthly remuneration to families who lost their earning member.

The division bench of Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Aniruddha Mayee was hearing a suo motu PIL on the incident.

It also asked the company to provide a two-bedroom house in “Parel or Lower Parel area” of Mumbai as compensation to a 23-year-old woman who was injured in the bridge collapse and currently works in a firm in Bandra Kurla Complex in the metropolis.

During Friday’s hearing, the bench asked the government and the company to expedite the process of creating a trust to look after the compensation and rehabilitation of victims.

About the rehabilitation of those who are now suffering from partial or full disability, the court said, “These people must be permanently adopted. They have to be taken care of throughout their lives. This is their (Oreva’s) creation. A man-made creation,” the chief justice said.

Advocate General Kamal Trivedi informed the bench that four of the 10 women who were widowed had accepted Oreva’s job offer.

The bench was also apprised about two families who have lost their earning member in the tragedy and have six daughters (three in each family), including five minors.

The court asked the company to provide additional financial support to these children for their studies and for meeting other expenses on basic amenities.

The bench also asked the company to check how widows can be accommodated in jobs or if they can be given a monthly remuneration in case they can’t work due to some reasons.

“Provide a job to everyone who lost their earning member. Also work on rehabilitation of injured victims so that they can live independently. If not a job, provide monthly remuneration,” said Chief Justice Agarwal.

While going through the government’s affidavit, the chief justice inquired about a 23-year-old woman who suffered a humerus fracture in the bridge collapse.

Mr Trivedi told the court the woman is currently working with a multinational financial firm in BKC in Mumbai.

Chief Justice Agarwal, in her order, directed the Oreva Group to buy her a two-bedroom house in any “good area near her office” such as Parel or Lower Parel as compensation to her.

“Purchase a two-BHK house in any good area. That will be her compensation. Since she works in BKC, Lower Parel is good. We are not joking. She has to be on her own. This will be written in our order,” the chief justice said.

Meanwhile, Mr Trivedi informed the bench that Oreva Group CMD Jaysukh Patel was granted bail by the Supreme Court on Friday.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

“Don’t make us an investigation agency”, the High Court said firmly on Monday while rejecting a request from a lawyer to take up as a suo moto PIL the attack on foreign students at state-run Gujarat University over the weekend.

The High Court division bench headed by Chief Justice Sunita Agrawal along with Justice Aniruddha P Mayee underlined that they are not police inspectors, emphasising their role as a constitutional court.

The bench declined to take suo motu cognisance of the incident, highlighting that the police would handle the matter.

The court’s stance was clear that not every incident in the city warrants a PIL.

“Our effort is that justice be done, but don’t make us an investigating agency. We are not doing that. We still want to remind ourselves that we are constitutional courts.

“We will definitely take into cognisance if such a matter comes in, but this is not one of those,” the Chief Justice said.

The decision came after lawyer K R Koshti urged the HC to consider the issue as a suo motu PIL.

The Chief Justice emphasised, “Don’t substitute this court with police inspectors…We are not investigating officers.” The court advised the lawyer to seek legal recourse if there were concerns about the FIR filed by the police.

Around two dozen people allegedly barged into the government-run Gujarat University’s hostel in Ahmedabad on Saturday night and raised an objection to students from foreign countries offering namaz near the facility block where they stayed, according to the police.

Two students – one from Sri Lanka and another from Tajikistan – were hospitalised after the incident which took place in the A-block hostel, police earlier said.

An FIR was registered against 20-25 unidentified assailants, and nine teams were formed to conduct a probe into the incident, they said.

So far, five persons have been arrested in connection with the incident, the police said. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Google blocked the email account of the petitioner for “explicit child abuse” after he uploaded on Google Drive a photo of his grandmother bathing him when he was two years old. File
| Photo Credit: Reuters

Uploading a nude childhood photo on Google Drive cost a man access to his email account for nearly a year and forced him to knock on the doors of the Gujarat High Court.

The high court has issued a notice to Google India Pvt Limited for blocking the email account of the petitioner for “explicit child abuse” after he uploaded on Google Drive a photo of his grandmother bathing him when he was two years old.

The court of Justice Vaibhavi D. Nanavati on March 15 issued notices to Google, the Central and State Governments returnable on March 26.

The petitioner, Neel Shukla, a computer engineer, uploaded childhood photographs on Google Drive, including a picture of him being bathed by his grandmother as a toddler.

The tech giant blocked Mr. Shukla’s account in April last year for violating its policy regarding such contents showing “explicit child abuse”, his counsel Dipen Desai told the court.

Mr. Shukla moved the high court on March 12 after the company failed to resolve the issue through its grievance redressal mechanism, he said.

Mr. Desai informed the court that since Google blocked the email account, Mr. Shukla has been unable to access his emails and this has caused losses to his business.

The petitioner, in his plea, said, “Google says this amounts to ‘explicit child abuse,’ and they have blocked everything. I have not been able to access my email and my business (is affected) as everything is blocked.”

Mr. Shukla had approached the Gujarat police and the Centre’s Department of Science and Technology, the nodal agency for such matters in India, but they also failed to act, and he was forced to seek judicial remedy.

The petitioner also requested an urgent hearing, as he received a notice from Google stating that the data linked to his account would be deleted in April, a year after it was rendered inoperative.