Panaji: The Bombay High Court at Goa on Wednesday asked the families of the 25 victims of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub fire to respond to an offer by its owners to pay Rs 15 lakh each in ex gratia compensation.
The Division Bench recorded the statement made on behalf of owners Saurav and Gaurav Luthra that they were willing to pay Rs 15 lakh to each of the 25 victims’ families. The Division Bench, comprising Justice Valmiki Menezes and Justice Amit Jamsandekar, directed that the victims’ families be asked whether they were willing to accept the proposed compensation.
The court adjourned the matter to October 12 to enable the affected families to state their position on the proposed compensation.
The offer comes in proceedings arising from the December 6, 2025, fire at the nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, in which 25 people were killed and more than 50 others were injured.
The incident led to a criminal investigation into alleged violations of licensing and fire safety requirements at the premises.
The compensation offer comes amid ongoing criminal proceedings against the nightclub’s owners and other accused in connection with the tragedy.
The Luthra brothers, along with their business partner Ajay Gupta, had earlier faced legal proceedings over allegations relating to the operation of the nightclub and the circumstances surrounding the fire.
The Supreme Court recently declined to interfere with the Bombay High Court’s decision cancelling the bail granted to the three accused and directed them to surrender within two weeks. It also asked the trial court to expedite the proceedings, including the framing of charges.
The trio subsequently surrendered before the Mapusa Additional District and Sessions Court.
The High Court’s proceedings are being conducted suo motu in connection with the nightclub fire.
