The Additional Sessions Court in Mapusa on Friday commenced hearing arguments on the second bail applications filed by Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra in connection with the Birch fire case, with the matter now posted for further arguments on March 24.
Appearing for the applicants, the defence argued that there has been a “change in circumstances” since the rejection of their earlier bail pleas, pointing out that the chargesheet has now been filed by Anjuna police.
The filing of the chargesheet, the defence submitted, reduces the scope for custodial interrogation and strengthens the case for granting bail.
The prosecution, however, is expected to oppose the plea, maintaining the seriousness of the allegations and the circumstances surrounding the fire incident.
In a related development, the court also deferred its order on the anticipatory bail applications moved by the Luthra brothers in a separate document forgery case registered by Mapusa police.
The order, which was earlier expected, will now be pronounced on March 24.
The twin proceedings come against the backdrop of ongoing legal scrutiny faced by the Luthra brothers following the Birch fire incident, which had drawn significant attention due to its scale and the questions it raised over compliance and safety norms.
With both the continuation of arguments in the fire case and the anticipated ruling in the forgery case scheduled for the same day, March 24 is expected to be crucial in determining the immediate legal relief, if any, for the accused.
