Vadodara Parents File Rs 16.61 Crore Case Against School Over Harni Lake Tragedy
Parents of eleven children who lost their lives in the Harni lake boating tragedy have taken legal action against New Sunrise School. They filed a case with the Vadodara District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission on January 17. The parents are seeking a total compensation of Rs 16.61 crore for their deceased children.
Details of the Compensation Demand
Each parent has demanded Rs 1.51 crore from the school. Advocate Hitesh Gupta, who represents the parents, explained the breakdown. The demand includes Rs 1 crore for the loss of their child, Rs 50 lakh for mental trauma, and Rs 1 lakh for litigation costs. They also seek 18% interest from the date of the incident until payment.
One parent has not yet joined the litigation. The tragic incident occurred on January 18, 2024. Twelve schoolchildren and two teachers drowned when a boat capsized during a school picnic at Harni lake.
Allegations of Negligence and Illegal Practices
The grieving parents accuse the school of deficiency in service and unfair trade practices. Gupta stated that the school organized the picnic and was responsible for the children's safety. He revealed that the school management organized the picnic illegally without obtaining prior permission from the district education officer.
"It was a case of criminal negligence," Gupta told TOI. "Due to the lack of safety measures, overcrowding of the boat, and the absence of trained supervisors and life-saving equipment, a catastrophic accident occurred. The school is responsible for this."
The complaint further states that the school did not issue receipts for the Rs 750 charged from each student for the picnic. Gupta added, "The school collects annual fees along with picnic charges but failed to provide proper services, resulting in an irreparable loss to the families of the deceased children."
Previous Actions and Government Response
Following the drowning incident, parents filed an FIR against Kotia Projects, the firm awarded the contract for the Harni Lake zone. Police arrested all partners of the firm, along with the boat driver and helper. A government inquiry revealed that the boat was carrying children far beyond its capacity, leading to the capsizing.
Gupta mentioned that Kotia Projects was directed by the Gujarat high court to pay Rs 32 lakh as compensation per child. "However, the firm has paid only 25% of the amount to the parents so far," he added.
The administration fined the school Rs 10,000 for its negligence. This action has drawn criticism from the parents who feel it is insufficient given the magnitude of the tragedy.
