Team Goemkarponn
PORVORIM: The High Court of Bombay at Goa has accepted the State government’s proposal to disburse compensation to the families of those killed in the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub fire and later recover the amount from the accused persons, including the Luthra brothers.
The direction was issued on Tuesday while the court was hearing a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) arising from the tragic fire incident, which claimed 25 lives and left several others injured.
The Bench instructed the State to compile and place on record a detailed list of assets belonging to the accused, including brothers Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra and the disqualified sarpanch of the Arpora–Nagoa village panchayat, Roshan Redkar, among others.
Observing that compensation to the victims’ families should not be delayed, the High Court permitted the government to proceed with interim relief, making it clear that the amount would subsequently be recovered from those found responsible for the incident. The matter has been posted for further hearing on February 16.
During earlier proceedings, the court had issued notices to multiple parties, including various village panchayats. The principal respondents include the Luthra brothers and Redkar. The court was informed that notice has already been served on Redkar, while the Luthra brothers are currently in judicial custody. The Bench directed the State to ensure that notices are served on all accused through the police.
Advocate General Devidas Pangam later told the media that the State had urged the court to allow immediate compensation, noting that many of the victims came from economically weaker backgrounds and may not be in a position to pursue lengthy legal remedies.
The High Court agreed with the submission and directed the State to place before it details of the assets of the accused, as it is inclined to pass appropriate orders for awarding compensation and effecting recovery from those responsible, Pangam said.
He added that most notices have already been issued and that the remaining ones would be served shortly, including on accused persons who are in custody. Pangam also stated that the State would place before the court the compensation framework laid down by the Supreme Court to assist in determining fair and just relief in each case.
The Advocate General further said that the police and other departments would work to trace the assets of the accused and submit a comprehensive list to the High Court as directed.
