Bombay High Court orders Rs 20 lakh compensation for Goa nightclub fire victims
The Goa bench directed nightclub owners to pay interim ex-gratia amounts to the families of 25 people who died in Arpora.
The Bombay High Court on Monday ordered siblings Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra to provide interim ex-gratia compensation of Rs 20 lakh to the families of 25 people killed in a nightclub fire last year. The Goa bench of Justices Valmiki Menezes and Amit Jamsandekar issued the direction, according to The Tribune.
The fire occurred on the night of December 6 last year at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora village, North Goa. The incident resulted in the deaths of 20 employees and five tourists, while approximately 50 people sustained injuries.
Advocate Prachi Sawant, representing the families of the victims, said the court finalised the interim payment without prejudice to any other claims the kin may pursue. She noted that the compensation covers all 25 deceased individuals.
The Luthra brothers were permitted to pay the amount in instalments. They must pay Rs 5 lakh by November 15, another Rs 5 lakh in December, and the remaining balance by February next year.
The owners, who were previously brought back to India after fleeing to Thailand, are facing criminal proceedings regarding the tragedy. The High Court has been monitoring the case, including relief for the victims' families.
The matter is scheduled for a further hearing on December 2.