Harni Boat Tragedy Families Move Consumer Forum for Compensation
Families of 11 victims from the tragic Harni boat accident have taken legal action. They filed petitions before the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Vadodara. These families seek compensation of Rs 1 crore each from New Sunrise School.
Second Anniversary Marked with Grief and Protest
On Sunday, grieving families gathered outside the sealed Harni Lake Zone. They mourned the loss of their loved ones on the second anniversary of the tragedy. The families expressed deep anguish over the delayed pace of justice.
The tragic incident occurred on January 18, 2024. New Sunrise School had organized a picnic at the Harni Motnath lake. A boat capsized during the outing, killing 12 students and 2 teachers.
Petitions Cite School Negligence and Deficiency of Service
The families filed their petitions on January 17, just before the anniversary. In their legal documents, they cited grave negligence by the school. They argued the school showed clear deficiency of service under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Parents paid Rs 750 for the picnic service. The petitions state the school rendered this service in an imperfect and faulty manner. More seriously, they claim it was illegal and fatally dangerous.
Advocate Hitesh Gupta represents the families. He explained their position clearly. "The school collected money from parents but did not disclose the lack of permissions and inherent risks," Gupta stated. "This amounts to unfair trade practices involving deceptive methods to promote their services."
School Accused of Breaching Fiduciary Duty
The petitions make strong allegations against the school's conduct. They state the school fundamentally breached its fiduciary duty. The sacred doctrine of 'loco parentis' applies here.
This legal principle means 'in place of a parent.' By taking custody of children for the picnic, the school assumed parental responsibilities. It was expected to exercise the care that a prudent parent would demonstrate.
The petitions argue the school completely abandoned this duty. Their actions showed shocking disregard for student safety. The District Education Officer had already penalized the school. They imposed a Rs 10,000 fine for violating rules while organizing the picnic.
Families Seek Additional Compensation for Trauma
Beyond the Rs 1 crore compensation, families demand additional amounts. They seek compensation for mental agony, trauma, and emotional distress. The irreparable loss of their children has caused profound suffering.
The petitions describe how the complainants' futures have been rendered dark and desolate. One family based in London could not sign the petition. All other families of deceased students have joined the legal action.
Political Support and Ongoing Legal Battles
Congress leaders joined the families during Sunday's gathering. Vadodara Municipal Corporation corporator Ashish Joshi also participated. Joshi was suspended from the BJP last year after two mothers interrupted Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel's event.
Joshi expressed solidarity with the grieving families. "It has been two years since the tragedy," he said. "The pain continues as families await justice. We will fight to bring the perpetrators to book."
The families distributed blankets to visually-impaired persons at the Lake Zone. This act of charity contrasted with their ongoing struggle for justice.
Multiple Legal Proceedings Continue
The consumer commission petition represents one legal avenue. A suo motu PIL continues in the Gujarat High Court. Notice has been issued to the insurance company of M/s Kotia Projects.
This contractor operated the Lake Zone during the tragedy. The Supreme Court directed action in July 2025. They ordered disbursement of Rs 1.2 crore compensation deposited by Kotia Projects to victim families.
The court also allowed the contractor to seek impleadment of partners and the insurance company in the ongoing PIL.
Compensation Calculations and Investigation Findings
A Sub Divisional Magistrate calculated compensation amounts in February 2025. They determined Rs 31.75 lakh for each deceased child. The two teachers received different amounts.
Chhaya Surti's family was awarded Rs 11.21 lakh. Falguni Patel's family received Rs 16.68 lakh. These calculations came from the District Collector's appointed officer.
Tragedy Details and Arrests
The Special Investigation Team of Vadodara police investigated the incident thoroughly. Their report revealed disturbing facts. The boatman operating the motorized boat lacked proper qualifications.
Possible overcrowding contributed to the tragedy. The boat may have carried up to 250 kilograms beyond capacity. This likely caused the capsizing that killed 14 people.
The SIT arrested 20 persons in connection with the case. This included partners of M/s Kotia Projects. The Vadodara Municipal Corporation had contracted this company for lake redevelopment.
All accused individuals are currently out on bail. The legal process continues as families seek accountability and compensation for their unimaginable loss.
