A PIL has been filed in the Goa bench of the Bombay High Court after the deadly Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub fire claimed 25 lives. The petition demands a court-monitored SIT probe and stricter safety audits across the state.
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GOA: The shocking fire through the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, claiming 25 lives, has triggered serious legal and political repercussions. In the aftermath of the December 7 tragedy, social activist Aishwarya Salgaonkar has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before the Goa bench of the Bombay High Court, demanding accountability and a comprehensive probe into the incident.
The PIL requests the court to step in, arguing that the disaster was not a mere accident but the result of long-standing administrative negligence and failure to enforce basic fire and building safety laws.
The petitioner asserts that Birch by Romeo Lane was functioning without mandatory construction approvals and continued business activities despite repeated demolition orders issued by local authorities. The nightclub, popular among tourists and partygoers, reportedly expanded operations without proper oversight.
The plea also references public statements made by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who admitted that the establishment lacked fire safety installations, had insufficient emergency exits, and poor ventilation, factors believed to have worsened the death toll, with many victims dying due to suffocation and stampede-like conditions.
Demands Made in the PIL
The petition urges the court to intervene through strong judicial directions, calling for:
1. A Court-Supervised Special Investigation Team (SIT)
To establish criminal liability and determine lapses by officials and the owners.
2. A Judicial Commission Led by a Retired High Court Judge
To examine why authorities allowed the club to operate despite documented violations.
3. A Comprehensive Statewide Fire Safety Audit
Covering all commercial nightlife and hospitality spaces such as:
- Clubs and pubs
- Hotels and resorts
- Bars and restaurants
- Beach shacks and tourist venues
4. Demolition of Structures Without Legal and Fire-Safety Clearances
To prevent recurrence of similar tragedies.
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The petition was mentioned before a bench comprising Justices Sarang Kotwal and Ashish Chavan, requesting urgent listing. The bench has agreed to hear the matter on December 16, given the wide public impact and the scale of the tragedy.
Birch by Romeo Lane, a popular party hub among tourists and local youth, turned into a death trap when flames rapidly engulfed the premises. The building lacked proper emergency exits, according to preliminary reports. Many victims were employees working night shifts or holiday tourists.
The tragedy has intensified pressure on the government to crack down on unregulated nightlife venues, alleged bribery networks, and the growing disregard for safety norms. Public sentiment demands accountability and preventive reforms to ensure that such a tragedy never repeats.
