The Bombay High Court at Goa has revoked the bail of three co-owners of Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, Saurabh Luthra, Gaurav Luthra, and Ajay Gupta, following a devastating fire in December 2025 that resulted in 25 fatalities. Justice Neela Gokhale presided over the appeal filed by the State of Goa, challenging the previous bail granted by the additional sessions court at Mapusa in North Goa. [State of Goa v. Saurabh Luthra and connected]
Court’s Directive and Legal Recourse
Justice Neela Gokhale has instructed the accused to surrender to authorities within two weeks. However, they have been granted the opportunity to file new bail applications in the sessions court. This decision underscores the gravity with which the court views the charges against the nightclub’s proprietors.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The incident, which occurred on December 6, 2025, involved a fire that ravaged the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub located in Arpora, North Goa. The disaster not only claimed 25 lives but also exposed glaring lapses in safety protocols at the venue. Investigations revealed the club was operating without valid safety clearances and lacked adequate firefighting equipment. The fire was reportedly ignited during an indoor fire show that was conducted without proper precautions.
Legal Proceedings and Allegations
In the aftermath, it was discovered that the nightclub was also functioning without a valid trade license. The Luthra brothers fled to Thailand shortly after the incident but were subsequently deported and arrested by the Goa Police. They, along with other partners, the club’s manager, event organizers, and staff, face charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The charges include culpable homicide not amounting to murder, acts endangering life, and negligent conduct with respect to fire, all read with common intention.
Ongoing Investigations
Separate investigations are underway to determine if the owners forged documents to secure operating licenses for the nightclub. The unfolding legal scenario indicates a thorough examination of the responsibilities and actions of the accused in the lead-up to and following the tragic incident.
