Belgian National Cleared of Responsibility in 2018 Tamil Nadu Forest Fire Tragedy

 

Summary:

• The Supreme Court of India has quashed the FIR and legal proceedings against Peter Van Geit, a Belgian national, involved in a 2018 forest fire during a trekking expedition in Tamil Nadu that claimed 13 lives.
• The court ruled that there was no evidence of negligence or criminal intent on Geit's part, who merely facilitated the expedition through a tour agency.
• The fire, considered an act of "vis major" (unforeseeable event), was deemed the sole cause of the deaths, negating any culpability towards Geit.

Key Points:

• Charges Dropped: The FIR accused Geit under sections 304-A (causing death by negligence) and 338 (causing grievous hurt by endangering life) of the Indian Penal Code. These charges were deemed inapplicable by the court.
• No Negligence Found: The court emphasized that Geit and the expedition organizers were unaware of the impending fire and couldn't have prevented it.
• Act of God: The court classified the fire as an act of God, absolving Geit of any legal responsibility.
• Limited Role: The court acknowledged Geit's role as a facilitator, emphasizing the absence of control over the events leading to the fire.

Implications:

• This verdict sets a precedent regarding liability in similar trekking accidents where organizers hold facilitating roles.
• It highlights the importance of differentiating between negligence and unforeseen circumstances like natural disasters.
• The decision offers relief to Geit, who faced years of legal proceedings amidst his non-profit activities.

Additional Notes:

• The court acknowledged the tragic loss of life but emphasized the need for legal clarity based on evidence and established principles.
• The details of the fire's cause and subsequent investigations haven't been explicitly mentioned in the summary. 
• (With input from news agency language)
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