The Bombay High Court criticized the lack of professional ethics and civic duty following a fire at the Birch nightclub in Goa that claimed 25 lives, emphasizing the need for intervention to prevent such incidents in the future.
During a hearing regarding the tragic fire incident at the Birch nightclub in Arpora, Goa, which resulted in the deaths of 25 individuals, the Bombay High Court raised serious questions about professional ethics and civic responsibility. The court took suo motu cognizance of the matter, underscoring the necessity for a more vigilant approach to safety regulations in entertainment venues. The Advocate General of Goa informed the court that the families of the deceased were provided compensation of 7 lakh INR each, while the injured received 1 lakh INR each, highlighting the state's efforts to address the aftermath of the tragedy.
One of the advocates present emphasized the urgent need to survey illegal structures to prevent future incidents from occurring. In response, the bench, led by Justices Suman Shyam and Amit Jamdar, acknowledged the validity of this observation but noted that the issue of safety in such establishments is longstanding and cannot be attributed to recent failures. They asserted that it is typically the responsibility of the administration to manage these matters, and if they continue to fail in their duties, the court may need to intervene while being cautious to not exacerbate existing disorganization.
The court's remarks reflect a broader concern regarding the safety standards and regulatory oversight in entertainment venues, particularly in a tourist hotspot like Goa. It highlights the ongoing challenges faced by local authorities in balancing commercial interests with public safety, prompting calls for more robust enforcement of laws to safeguard patrons in light of previous tragedies. The incident has sparked debate about accountability and the need for systemic changes within the framework governing such establishments.
