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A two-judge Bench of the Supreme Court comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Sheel Nagu, has upheld the Bombay High Court’s order cancelling bail for Saurabh Luthra, Gaurav Luthra, and Ajay Gupta,the three co-owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub who are accused in connection with a fire that killed 25 people in Goa.
Background of the Case
On the night of December 6, 2025, a fire broke out at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, killing 25 people. The three accused men were co-owners of the club.
Police investigations found that the club had allegedly been running without a valid trade licence, without proper safety clearances, and without adequate firefighting equipment. The fire is believed to have started during an indoor fire performance that was carried out without proper safety measures.
The accused were booked along with other partners, the club’s manager, event organisers, and staff, the accused were charged under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, endangering life, and negligent conduct involving fire, read with the provision relating to common intention.
Soon after the fire, the Luthra brothers reportedly fled to Thailand. They were later deported back to India and arrested by the Goa Police.
SC’s dismissal of appeal
The Additional Sessions Court in Mapusa initially granted bail to all three men, Gupta on March 23, and the Luthra brothers on April 1. The Goa government challenged these bail orders in the Bombay High Court. On August 19, Justice Neela Gokhale ruled in the state’s favor and cancelled the bail of all three accused.
The three men then appealed to the Supreme Court, which on Monday rejected their appeals and confirmed the High Court’s decision to cancel their bail.
What the Supreme Court Ordered
The Court dismissed the appeals and ordered the three accused to surrender to authorities within two weeks. It also asked the trial court to expedite the process of framing charges against them.
Case details: Saurabh Luthra v. The State of Goa
