The Gujarat High Court has issued a notice to United India Insurance Company Ltd in relation to the Harni Lake boat capsizing incident that occurred on January 18, 2024. The incident resulted in the loss of 14 lives, including 12 school children and two teachers, during a school picnic. The court has directed the insurance company to explain why the compensation determined for the victims’ families should not be tied to them.
It was revealed that the contractor firm, M/s Kotia Projects, had a valid insurance policy with United India Insurance Company that covered boating activities from January 9, 2024, to January 8, 2025, which includes the date of the incident. The petitioner’s counsel submitted this information to the court, which led to the notice being issued to the insurance company.
In a related development, the court allowed an application filed by M/s Kotia Projects to implead two alleged joint-venture partners, M/s Tristar Enterprise and M/s Dolphine Enterprise, as additional respondents in the case. M/s Kotia Projects claimed that they had a tripartite agreement with the two joint-venture partners to run the project and subcontract boating activities at the lake. However, the Vadodara Municipal Corporation stated that they had never granted permission for subcontracting boating activities.
The court has directed the insurance company to show cause and has allowed the application to implead the additional respondents. The matter is scheduled to be heard on January 16, 2026. The court’s decision to issue a notice to the insurance company and allow the application to implead additional respondents suggests that they are taking a closer look at the liability and responsibility of all parties involved in the incident.
The case highlights the importance of ensuring that all parties involved in such activities have the necessary permissions and follow safety protocols to prevent such tragic incidents. The court’s actions are a step towards providing justice and compensation to the victims’ families and holding those responsible accountable for their actions. The hearing scheduled for January 16, 2026, will likely provide further clarity on the matter and determine the next course of action.