Hyderabad, India — The Telangana High Court is investigating potential negligence by government departments following a disastrous explosion at a Sigachi factory in Patancheru that claimed 53 lives and injured numerous others. On Tuesday, a bench led by Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh emphasized the necessity of accountability among various government entities.
During a hearing related to a public interest litigation concerning the explosion, the court inquired about the involvement of the labor department, the provident fund, and other relevant authorities alongside the Factories Department. The Chief Justice underscored the presence of extensive regulations meant to safeguard workers, noting that the real challenge lies in their enforcement. “A dozen authorities should have been involved in this case,” he stated, calling for a thorough examination of compliance with existing laws.
The court’s scrutiny was further fueled by a government report indicating that the factory had stored more flammable materials than legally allowed. The Chief Justice pressed for clarification on which governmental agency failed to act on such breaches, reaffirming that it is the duty of relevant authorities to prevent such tragedies from occurring.
While the factory’s management is expected to face charges, concerns about the accountability of various officials arose during the proceedings. The Chief Justice remarked that without repercussions for negligence, it is unlikely lessons will be learned. “Managements grow more powerful while unorganized workers remain voiceless,” he pointed out.
Dissatisfied with the responses provided by Additional Advocate General T. Rajanikanth Reddy and Deputy Superintendent of Police Prabhakar, the court requested further assurance regarding the integrity of the ongoing investigation. The Chief Justice urged the investigating officer to confirm he was not under pressure and instructed him to pursue the investigation rigorously.
Moreover, the court expressed frustration over the lack of clarity regarding the involvement of other departments. “If there are 50 workers on the rolls but 90 are actually working, where was the labor department? What was the Provident Fund Department doing?” the Chief Justice pressed, highlighting lapses in regulatory oversight.
Advocate Vasudha Nagaraj informed the court that compensation for the workers affected by the tragedy has not been adequately addressed, further complicating the matter at hand. The court appointed Dominic Fernandes as amicus curiae to provide additional support in addressing these issues.
The high court is scheduled to reconvene on December 30, where it will examine the responses from the investigation closely. The Chief Justice made clear that if accountability is not established soon, the court will consider a more involved role in overseeing the investigation to ensure that justice is served.