BIPINCHANDRA J DIVAN Vs. STATE OF GUJARAT

JUDGEMENT

(1.) .On the morning of 26th January 2001, an earthquake of a high magnitude, more than 7 on Richter Scale, shook whole of Gujarat and more devastatingly of its entire Kutch district, leaving thousands dead, injured, crippled, orphaned and homeless. The Government was unprepared to meet such unforeseen natural calamity and still finds it difficult through its inadequate machinery to carry out the stupendous task of rescue, relief and rehabilitation of the quake victims.

(2.) . In such calamity and adversity, the entire Nation has shown compassion and co-operation by extending help and providing relief material in kind and cash to the victims. It is a divine wrath, but turned into blessing in the sense that in facing the calamity the helping hands extended by people all over the world in the shape of help and support has united the people and brought to surface the inherent virtues and qualities of human being. There has been an exemplary display of fellowship, co-operation, mutual help and love from all over the world regardless of class, caste, creed and cultural differences. Not only from within the Nation, but from all over the world from different countries, Governments, social service organisations and individuals relief material in the form of tents, clothes, medicines, construction items, for erecting homes, rescue machines etc. have landed by ship, airplanes and other modes of transport. All kinds of relief material is throughout pouring in from different parts of the world.

(3.) . Calamity is a leveller rich and poor, strong and weak, all are suffering alike. The fall-out of earthquake is the flow of generosity for help to the victims from the country and all over the world. So much of relief material and money has been received that its management and distribution pose an uphill task to the Government. In the past few days, after the earthquake hit Gujarat in the morning of 26-1-2001, every one in the country has witnessed the power of the people. Selfless service of several religious and social organisations have shown what benevolent effect religion can have on the lives of common man. The selfless service without desire for appreciation or publicity by religious groups and social activities have given great comfort to the victims and satisfaction to all right thinking men.