PANAJI
The High Court of Bombay at Goa has moved to expedite compensation for families of workers killed in the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub fire, directing Amicus Curiae Advocate Rohit Bras D'Sa to compile detailed information on each deceased employee, including age, dependents, nature of employment and designation.
Hearing the suo motu public interest litigation arising from the fire tragedy that occurred in December 2025, the Division Bench of Justice Valmiki Menezes and Justice Hiten Venegavkar said the information would assist in determining appropriate compensation for the victims’ families. The matter has been posted for further hearing on July 15.
The Bench also directed the Amicus Curiae to inform the Goa State Legal Services Authority to appoint an advocate to represent the victims’ families. It said legal aid should be extended wherever required.
The court further directed that details of any labour-related claims filed before labour commissioners in the respective States or country (Nepal) from where the victims hailed should also be placed on record.
The latest directions come against the backdrop of the High Court's earlier decision to permit the State government to disburse compensation to the victims’ families and subsequently recover the amount from those accused in the case, including brothers Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra.
The fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub claimed 25 lives and left several others injured, triggering investigations and the ongoing suo motu PIL.
