Supreme Court Upholds Bail Cancellation for Goa Nightclub Fire Accused

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to reinstate bail for the three co-owners of a Goa nightclub where a fire killed 25 people in December 2025, directing them to surrender within two weeks and ordering an expedited trial. The decision upholds a Bombay High Court order from August 18 that cancelled the bail previously granted to Saurabh Luthra, Gaurav Luthra, and Ajay Gupta.

A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Sheel Nagu dismissed the petitions filed by the trio, who are partners in Being GS Hospitality Arpora LLP, the firm that operated the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, North Goa. The court instructed the lower court to speed up the process for framing charges in the case.

The fire occurred on the night of December 6, 2025, at the nightclub, resulting in 25 deaths and injuries to more than 50 others. Investigations by Goa Police alleged that the establishment was operating without valid safety clearances, adequate firefighting equipment, or a proper trade licence. The blaze was reportedly caused by an indoor fire performance conducted without necessary precautions. The accused have been charged under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including culpable...