Goa Nightclub Fire: PIL Seeks Court-Monitored SIT After 25 Deaths at Birch by Romeo Lane
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court after the devastating fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, which claimed 25 lives. The petitioner has urged the court to order a court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe and to direct a complete overhaul of fire-safety compliance across the State.
The tragic incident took place on December 7, when a massive blaze spread rapidly inside the nightclub, turning the crowded venue into a fatal zone. Many of the victims reportedly died due to suffocation and panic inside the enclosed space.
The PIL has been filed by social activist Aishwarya Salgaonkar, who argues that the tragedy was not an unavoidable accident but an outcome of years of administrative inaction. The petition highlights serious lapses in enforcing fire, building, and safety norms, pointing to what it calls a systematic failure by authorities.
The activist alleges that Birch by Romeo Lane operated without mandatory construction approvals and continued functioning despite demolition orders issued earlier by local authorities. The establishment, a well-known nightlife spot, allegedly expanded operations without the required permissions or compliance checks.
The plea also refers to statements made by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who publicly acknowledged that the structure lacked essential fire-safety equipment, proper emergency exits, and adequate ventilation. These shortcomings, the petitioner claims, significantly contributed to the high death toll.
Key Demands in the PIL
The petition has sought strong judicial action, including:
A Court-Monitored SIT Investigation
To fix criminal responsibility and examine lapses on the part of nightclub owners and government officials.
A Judicial Commission Led by a Retired High Court Judge
To study how the nightclub continued operating despite multiple violations and demolition orders.
Statewide Fire-Safety Audits
A comprehensive review of all nightlife and hospitality establishments, including:
- Clubs and pubs
- Hotels and resorts
- Bars and restaurants
- Beach shacks and other tourist hotspots
Removal of Illegal and Unsafe Structures
To ensure that commercial establishments without required approvals and fire-safety compliance do not continue operations.
The matter was mentioned before Justices Sarang Kotwal and Ashish Chavan, who agreed to list the PIL for hearing on December 16, considering the loss of life and the wider public impact.
Preliminary findings indicate that the nightclub lacked proper escape routes and essential safety systems, making evacuation nearly impossible when the fire began. Several victims were staff members working night shifts, while others were tourists visiting Goa during the holiday season.
The incident has renewed public concern over unregulated nightlife spaces, alleged corruption in local enforcement bodies, and the growing disregard for safety standards. Citizens and activists are demanding stronger compliance measures and accountability to prevent such tragedies in the future.
