25 Dead: Court Upholds Bail Cancellation for Arpora Nightclub Owners

The Supreme Court has affirmed the Bombay High Court's order revoking the bail granted to Gaurav Luthra, Saurabh Luthra, and Ajay Gupta. These individuals are co-owners of the Romeo Lane nightclub, implicated in a deadly fire that occurred last year. The fire tragically resulted in 25 fatalities.

The High Court had initially canceled their bail, emphasizing the severe nature of the alleged offenses. It noted that the lower court had erred in downplaying the gravity of the charges. The accused allegedly bypassed safety regulations and manipulated information to secure operational licenses.

Evidence suggests the partners deliberately disregarded safety protocols, including authorizing cold pyro fireworks despite knowing the roof contained combustible materials. They also purportedly falsified information to obtain a trade license, subsequently used to forge a health NOC and acquire an excise license. The court indicated intent toward the partners and observed their attempts to evade individual accountability.

Furthermore, the establishment operated without proper licenses due to its unauthorized structure. The High Court stated that securing valid licenses would have mandated safety measures. This failure to comply with regulations was identified as the direct cause of the fatal incident.