The Bombay High Court at Goa has converted a civil suit regarding the devastating fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora into a Public Interest Litigation (PIL). The fire, which occurred on December 6, 2025, resulted in the deaths of 25 people. The court, in its observation, stated that "someone has to be held accountable in such kind of cases".
The division bench, consisting of Justices Sarang Kotwal and Ashish Chavan, has directed the Goa government to submit a detailed response explaining the permissions granted to the nightclub. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on January 8, 2026.
The original petition was filed by Pradeep Ghadi Amonkar and Sunil Divkar, who own the land on which the nightclub was located. In converting the civil suit into a PIL, the court highlighted significant failures by local authorities. The bench noted that the concerned panchayat had not taken suo motu cognizance of the club's operations and had failed to act despite receiving complaints. The court also pointed out that commercial operations were ongoing at the site despite a demolition order being in place.
Advocate Rohit Bras de Sa, representing the petitioners, has been appointed as amicus curiae and is required to file a comprehensive affidavit in the matter. The High Court has sought an explanation from the state government regarding the procedures followed in granting permissions to such establishments.
The petitioners, Amonkar and Divkar, emphasized what they described as a concerning pattern of statutory violations that had not been adequately addressed despite numerous complaints, inspections, show-cause notices, and even a demolition order. They argued that these violations constituted blatant contraventions of state and national laws, posing serious threats to public safety, ecological integrity, and the rule of law in Goa. Investigations into the nightclub fire have revealed several irregularities, including the absence of necessary operating permits.
The court observed that accountability could not be avoided in cases involving loss of life. The High Court is set to investigate systemic failures and regulatory lapses linked to the tragedy as the matter proceeds as a PIL.
In a related development, Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, the co-owners of the nightclub, are under scrutiny, with Thai authorities expected to address the case in a Bangkok court. An Interpol Blue Corner Notice has been issued against them.
