Panaji: The Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court on Monday directed the owners of Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, to pay interim ex gratia compensation of Rs 20 lakh each to the families of the 25 victims of the fire tragedy.
The matter was heard by a division bench comprising Justices Valmiki Menezes and Amit Jamsandekar.
Advocate Prachi Sawant, representing the victims’ families, informed reporters after the hearing that the court had finalised interim ex gratia compensation of Rs 20 lakh for each victim’s family, without prejudice to any other claims they may wish to pursue.
The owners have been permitted to pay the compensation in instalments, with Rs 5 lakh to be paid by November 15, another Rs 5 lakh in December, and the remaining amount to be cleared by February next year, Sawant said.
The compensation will cover all 25 victims, including five tourists. She added that the interim payment would not affect the families’ right to pursue additional claims.
The matter will come up for further hearing on December 2, 2026.
The fire broke out at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora village, North Goa, on the night of December 6, 2025, claiming 25 lives, including 20 employees of the establishment and five tourists. Around 50 people were also injured in the incident.
The blaze occurred during a dance event at the nightclub. Preliminary investigations pointed to fireworks used during a performance as the likely cause, with the fire spreading rapidly through the establishment.
The incident triggered investigations into alleged violations of fire-safety norms and licensing requirements at the premises. Police registered a case against the nightclub’s owners, partners and other staff members, alleging negligence and lapses in safety arrangements.
The Luthra brothers fled to Thailand following the incident and were subsequently brought back to India. They are facing criminal proceedings in connection with the tragedy.
The High Court has been monitoring the matter, including issues concerning relief and compensation for the victims’ families.
