Bombay High Court cancels bail for Birch nightclub owners

The Goa bench of the Bombay High Court has cancelled the bail of Saurabh Luthra, Gaurav Luthra, and Ajay Gupta, the co-owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub. The court has ordered the three individuals to surrender within two weeks. While the court has permitted them to file fresh bail applications with the trial court, the decision follows an appeal by the Goa government against a previous lower court ruling.

The legal action stems from a fatal fire at the nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, which occurred between December 6 and 7, 2025. The blaze resulted in 25 deaths, including 20 staff members and five tourists, and left more than 50 people injured.

Investigations into the incident have expanded to include allegations of illegal construction, forged licenses, inadequate fire-safety measures, and the use of locked exits that hindered evacuation. The accused also face separate charges regarding document forgery.