Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The High Court of Bombay at Goa has given a last extension to village panchayats that have not yet submitted sworn affidavits detailing permissions granted to commercial establishments, setting April 7 as the new deadline.
The direction came during the hearing of a suo motu public interest litigation initiated after the deadly fire at the “Birch by Romeo Lane” outlet in Arpora on December 6, 2025, which resulted in 25 fatalities. The court has since expanded the scope of the case to examine broader issues related to licensing and construction approvals.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Valmiki Menezes and Justice Amit Jamsandekar noted earlier that while some panchayats had complied, several had failed to file the required affidavits. The court had then termed the extension as a final opportunity.
At the latest hearing, the Bench observed continued non-compliance by certain panchayats and granted one final extension, scheduling the next hearing for April 8.
Panchayat secretaries have been instructed to submit detailed affidavits outlining permissions such as construction approvals, trade licences, and occupancy certificates issued to commercial entities, as part of a wider review process.
In earlier proceedings, another Bench had described the Arpora fire incident as a serious violation of fundamental rights. Advocate General Devidas Pangam also informed the court that responsibility must be established and corrective measures implemented.
The matter remains under judicial scrutiny as the court continues to push for accountability and systemic reforms.
