Team Goemkarponn
PORVORIM: The Supreme Court has upheld the cancellation of bail granted to three accused in connection with the deadly Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub fire in Arpora, Goa, bringing them back within the custody process as the criminal case moves forward.
A Bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Sheel Nagu dismissed the pleas filed by Saurabh Luthra, Gaurav Luthra and Ajay Gupta, who had challenged the Bombay High Court’s decision to revoke their bail.
The apex court has directed the three accused to surrender before the authorities within two weeks. It has also asked the trial court to proceed expeditiously with the case, including the framing of charges.
The case stems from the fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora on December 6, 2025. The tragedy claimed 25 lives and left several others injured.
The accused were granted bail earlier this year by the Additional Sessions Court at Mapusa. The Goa government subsequently challenged those orders before the Bombay High Court.
The High Court overturned the bail orders in August, observing that the lower court had not adequately considered the seriousness of the allegations and the material collected during the investigation.
Investigators have alleged that the establishment was operating without required licences and safety clearances. The probe has also examined alleged shortcomings in firefighting arrangements and safety measures during an indoor fire display.
The Luthra brothers had travelled to Thailand following the incident and were later deported to India and arrested by Goa Police. The accused were booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in connection with the fire and related allegations.
With the Supreme Court now refusing to interfere with the High Court’s decision, the bail cancellation remains in force. The three accused will have to surrender within the stipulated period while proceedings before the trial court continue.
