HYDERABAD: The Telangana High Court on Thursday raised concerns over the slow pace of investigation and delay in relief measures following the fire accident at the Sigachi factory in which around 50 workers died.
A bench comprising Chief Justice AK Singh and Justice Mohd Mohiuddin was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by retired scientist Dr K Babu Rao, who questioned the progress of the probe, absence of safety protocols at the factory and delay in compensating the affected families.
The counsel representing the petitioner pointed out that most workers at the Sigachi unit were migrants employed on a contract basis and not regular employees. The PIL urged the court to ensure that compensation is extended to all workers, regardless of their employment status, and that the state holds the factory management accountable.
During the hearing, the bench sought details from the government on the status of the FIR, provisions invoked under the law and progress made in the investigation. Chief Justice Singh asked whether any arrests had been made in connection with the incident. The Government Pleader for the Home Department responded that no arrests had taken place so far.
The court also asked the state to provide a breakdown of workers present on the day of the accident, distinguishing between permanent, casual, and daily wage workers, and the legal provisions under which the company might be held liable. It directed that details of compensation disbursed be included in the state’s counter-affidavit.
Awaiting reports, state govt tells HC
Counsel for the state said they were awaiting reports from a high-level committee and an expert committee that are probing the incident.
However, when asked whether the investigation was being held up pending those findings, the government said that was not the case.
“The state must not treat this as an adversarial proceeding. The focus should be on supporting the bereaved families,” the Chief Justice said, adding that the seriousness of the incident must not fade with time.
While the Additional Advocate General sought four weeks to file a detailed counter, the bench granted three weeks, citing the urgency of the issue. The matter will next be heard on August 27.