Overview
- The Bench pressed the State to clearly explain the roles of the Factories, Labour, Provident Fund and other regulators responsible for enforcing compliance at the Sigachi unit.
- Citing reports of excess inflammable material on-site, the court questioned inspection frequency and noted the last recorded inspection occurred in December 2024.
- Investigating officer DSP Prabhakar appeared in person and was asked whether he faced any pressure, with the Bench offering to insulate the probe or assign a senior officer if required.
- Judges directed the investigation to move against those deemed actively responsible or culpably negligent and warned that a court-monitored probe could follow if responsibility is not fixed.
- Sigachi was ordered to file a detailed compensation affidavit and the State to provide FIR details for eight missing workers, as CBIC counsel Dominic Fernandes was appointed amicus and the case was listed for December 30.