Chandigarh, 19 February 2026- The Haryana Human Rights Commission has taken suomotu cognizance of a news report dated 08.02.2026 titled “Swing crashes at Surajkund fair, 13 injured; cop dies in rescue bid” regarding the swing accident that occurred on 7 February 2026 at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela, Faridabad. In the tragic incident, Police Inspector Jagdish Prasad, who was on duty, lost his life during rescue operations, and several visitors were injured. Taking the matter with utmost seriousness, the Commission has sought detailed reports from the concerned authorities.
The Full Commission, comprising Chairperson Justice LalitBatra and Members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia, observed that the Surajkund International Crafts Mela is a globally renowned cultural festival celebrating India’s rich heritage, traditional crafts, folk art, music, and diverse cultural expressions. It promotes the livelihood and dignity of artisans and craftsmen from across India and abroad. The Mela embodies core human rights values such as cultural participation, equality, non-discrimination, and the right to live with dignity. By fostering cultural inclusion, economic empowerment of artisans, and preservation of traditional knowledge, the Mela strengthens the spirit of human rights, where culture, creativity, and human dignity are integral pillars of a just society.
According to the news report, the incident occurred at approximately 6:30 PM on 07.02.2026, when an electrically operated swing named “Tsunami Ride,” carrying around 26 persons at full capacity, suddenly collapsed. The accident triggered panic within the fair premises; several riders were trapped while others fell to the ground and sustained injuries. Thirteen persons were reported injured and were admitted to Supreme Hospital and B.K. Civil Hospital, Faridabad. During rescue operations, Police Inspector Jagdish Prasad rushed to assist the victims; however, another portion of the swing structure collapsed, trapping him underneath and causing fatal injuries that led to his death.
On the unfortunate day, Chairperson Justice LalitBatra, Members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia, and Registrar (Judicial) Sanjay Kumar Khanduja were also present at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela in connection with the Haryana Human Rights Commission’s “Awareness Camp,” where multiple safety-related incidents were witnessed. Near the Food Court area, a temporary entrance gate collapsed due to strong winds, injuring two to three persons. This incident reflected the unsafe condition of temporary structures installed at the fair.
Around the same time, near Gate No. 2, close to the HHRC’s Awareness Camp, another temporary gate was found dangerously tilted towards adjoining stalls. Recognizing the potential risk, Chairperson Justice LalitBatra and the Members personally contacted Police Inspector JagdishChander (No. IRB 19, 2nd IRB Tundlaka, Nuh), who was on mela duty. Owing to his prompt intervention, the gate was removed within approximately half an hour, thereby averting a major accident.
The Haryana Human Rights Commission has expressed deep concern over systemic deficiencies observed at the fair. Most of the installed structures—such as entrance gates, stalls, and amusement rides—were temporary and weak in nature. Critical technical aspects, including wind velocity, structural stability, and load-bearing capacity, appeared to have been inadequately considered during installation, indicating serious lapses in planning and regulatory oversight. There is no evidence on record to suggest that a competent and qualified technical committee conducted a comprehensive structural and electrical safety inspection prior to the inauguration of the fair. The absence of mandatory inspection and certification has been termed a grave administrative lapse and negligence by the Commission.
Furthermore, the Commission observed that in a large public event such as this, adequate emergency response teams, trained rescue personnel, and properly equipped medical units were not visibly deployed in sufficient numbers. In mass gatherings, the absence of a robust disaster management mechanism can significantly aggravate the consequences of any mishap. The surface of pathways at several locations within the fair premises was also found uneven and poorly maintained, causing inconvenience to senior citizens, children, and persons with disabilities.
The Commission has stated that such conditions are contrary to the principles of inclusion, accessibility, and human dignity. The Full Commission, under the chairmanship of Justice LalitBatra, is of the view that these circumstances indicate a possible violation of the fundamental right to life, safety, and human dignity guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. The Commission has emphasized that organizers of large public events and concerned authorities have a constitutional and statutory obligation to strictly ensure compliance with safety standards and that no form of negligence should be tolerated.
The Commission further observed that the true meaning of a “fair” is realized only when it is fair in all respects. It stated that a “FAIR(Mela) must be FAIR in all perspectives,” meaning that alongside cultural celebration, economic activity, and entertainment, equal importance must be accorded to safety, transparency, accountability, accessibility, and human dignity. If safety standards are ignored or visitors’ lives are put at risk, the event deviates from its purpose and becomes “unfair” to the public. The Commission opined that the joy of celebration is meaningful only when conducted in a safe environment ensuring dignity and convenience for all, especially senior citizens, children, and persons with disabilities.
To ensure safety at large events such as the Surajkund International Crafts Mela, the Full Commission under the chairmanship of Justice LalitBatra has issued the following directions to the State Government and concerned authorities:
- Adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards public safety.
- No fair, festival, or large public event shall commence without prior certification by a multidisciplinary technical committee (comprising structural engineers, electrical safety experts, fire officers, and disaster management officials).
- Mandatory third-party safety audits of all rides, gates, stalls, and temporary structures.
- Deployment of adequate emergency response teams, ambulances, fire tenders, first-aid centers, and trained rescue personnel.
- Institutionalization of weather-related risk assessment, including suspension of operations during high winds or adverse conditions.
- Ensure leveled, safe, and disability-friendly pathways within the venue.
- Clearly marked and obstruction-free evacuation routes.
- Penal and disciplinary action against organizers and officials in case of violation of safety norms.
Assistant Registrar Dr.PuneetArora stated that in view of the available facts and serious allegations, the full Commission has called for detailed reports from the concerned authorities. The Deputy Commissioner, Faridabad, has been directed to submit a comprehensive report within four weeks, including findings of the inquiry committee, status of the FIR, and action taken against responsible persons. The Director General of Police, Haryana, Panchkula, has been asked to submit a report on the circumstances leading to the death of Police Inspector Jagdish Prasad, compensation paid or proposed for his dependents, and measures adopted to ensure safety of police personnel deployed at large public events. The Commission has also recommended consideration of posthumous honor for the officer who sacrificed his life in public service.
Additionally, the Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Haryana, Heritage & Tourism Department, and Vice-Chairman, SurajkundMela Authority, Chandigarh, have been directed to submit a detailed report on existing safety guidelines for fairs and amusement rides and steps proposed to strengthen them. The Chief Electrical Inspector to the Government of Haryana, Chandigarh, has been asked to report on electrical safety compliance of the ride and overall electrical audits conducted at the fair. The Commission has further directed the State Government to consider framing or revising a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). All concerned authorities have been instructed to submit their reports at least one week prior to the next date of hearing, which has been fixed for 07 April 2026.
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