Panaji: Goa Bench of Bombay High Court on Monday converted a civil suit against Birch by Romeo Lane at Arpora into a public interest litigation, directing the State government to file a reply regarding the permissions granted to the controversial nightclub.
The Division Bench, comprising Justice Sarang Kotwal and Justice Prithviraj Chavan, during the hearing of the petition filed by landowners Pradeep Ghadi Amonkar and Sunil Divkar, converted it into Public Interest Litigation. The club had been constructed on the land owned by the petitioners.
In open court, the Bench observed that the local panchayat had failed to take suo motu cognizance of the club, and despite complaints, no action had been taken against it. The court also noted that commercial operations were ongoing in the structure despite a demolition notice being served.
The Bench remarked that “someone has to be held accountable in such cases” and converted the matter into Public Interest Litigation.
Advocate Rohit Bras de Sa, representing Amonkar and Divkar, was appointed amicus curiae and has been asked to file a detailed affidavit. The Goa government has been directed to respond regarding the process of permissions for such establishments. The next hearing is scheduled for January 8, 2026.
In their petition, Amonkar and Divkar highlighted “the alarming pattern of statutory violations that have remained inadequately addressed despite multiple complaints, inspections, show-cause notices, and even a Demolition Order. These violations not only constitute brazen contraventions of multiple State and National laws but also present immediate threats to public safety, ecological integrity, and the rule of law in Goa.”
A total of 25 people died in the deadly fire at Birch by Romeo Lane on December 6. Initial investigations indicated that the club was operating without proper permissions. In response, the Goa government has suspended three officers, while six individuals have been arrested as the State police continue their investigation.
