11 years on, Gujarat quake victims await justice

Eleven years after the devastating earthquake of January 26, 2001, many victims are waiting for justice. Criminal cases lodged against builders, government officials and others have not been completed because of various reasons. Of 60 cases in city, 47 are lying before the court.

There are also 124 civil cases lodged seeking compensation, but most of them are also pending in court. More than one thousand people had died in the earthquake in Ahmedabad.

There are separate quake-related cases pending before the District Court and Metropolitan Court for trial. "The quake-related cases are before the Special Metropolitan Magistrate Court and the judgment is likely to come in most of the cases in a couple of years," said Praful Barot, special government counsel for earthquake cases.

During investigation and court trial, it was found that sub-standard material was used to raise buildings. In many cases, forensic science experts will be called to testify before the court about the material used in the buildings. "As and when needed, we will summon experts who conducted soil test and structural test of the buildings which collapsed on January 26, 2001," Barot said.

Dr Rajendra Shukla, director, NGO Shree Yogkshem Foundation of Human Dignity, said: "It is disappointing that victims have not yet got justice despite HC order of 2006, directing the lower court to complete the cases within one year."