Bombay High Court Converts Goa Nightclub Fire Case to PIL: Luthra Brothers Face Legal Challenges in Thailand

An Interpol Blue Corner Notice has been issued against the Luthra brothers following the Goa nightclub fire incident.

The Bombay High Court has transformed a civil suit concerning the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub tragedy into a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), emphasizing that accountability must be established for the disaster that claimed 25 lives.

Thai authorities are preparing to present the case involving Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, the nightclub's co-owners, to a Bangkok court. This court will likely determine further proceedings in the matter.

The Luthras departed for Phuket, Thailand, immediately after the fire incident. They were subsequently detained by Thai authorities on December 11 following intervention by the Indian mission, which maintains close communication with the Thai government regarding this case.

Goa police have already arrested six individuals, including club managers and staff members, in connection with the December 6 fire tragedy.

The Goa bench, comprising Justices Sarang Kotwal and Ashish Chavan, made firm observations that the local panchayat had "failed to take suo motu cognisance" of the club and took "no action despite complaints." The bench highlighted that commercial operations continued in the structure despite a pending demolition order, and directed the Goa government to submit a detailed response regarding permissions granted to the facility.

The High Court has scheduled January 8 as the next hearing date.

The original petition was filed by Pradeep Ghadi Amonkar and Sunil Divkar, owners of the land where the nightclub operated, following the December 6 tragedy.

Advocate Rohit Bras de Sa, representing the petitioners, has been appointed amicus curiae and instructed to file a comprehensive affidavit.

In their petition, Amonkar and Divkar highlighted "the alarming pattern of statutory violations that have remained inadequately addressed despite multiple complaints, inspections, show-cause notices, and even a demolition order."

They argued these violations posed "immediate threats to public safety, ecological integrity, and the rule of law in the state of Goa." Multi-agency investigations have revealed various irregularities, including the nightclub operating without proper authorization.

According to Indian Embassy sources in Bangkok, all relevant documentation concerning the Luthra brothers has been transferred through official legal channels.

Legal developments indicate the case will likely be presented before a Bangkok court, though the timeline remains uncertain as proceedings depend on when the judge takes up the matter.

Senior advocate Javed Mir leads a team representing the Luthra brothers, with advocate Vaibhav Suri also present in Bangkok. Various legal options under Thai law are being explored to contest the case.

After cancelling the brothers' passports, the Indian government submitted documentation to Thai authorities alleging their involvement in the deaths of 25 people, with allegations extending beyond culpable homicide.

India has formally requested the brothers' deportation, while Thai authorities examine the complex legal aspects involved.

The brothers reportedly entered Thailand on valid travel documents that were subsequently revoked by Indian authorities, leaving them without valid identification. This situation has prompted Thai officials to consider multiple legal perspectives, including basic human rights considerations.

While Indian government sources reported on Friday that Thai authorities were initiating deportation proceedings, embassy sources indicate that immediate return to India is unlikely.

The matter is expected to involve detailed legal arguments before a local court, where all parties will present their cases before any final determination is made.