Bombay High Court Mandates Coastal Panchayats to Disclose Licence Details
The Bombay High Court issued a significant directive on Monday, ordering all village panchayats along the coastal belt to submit comprehensive details of trade licences they have issued. This includes information on how many of these establishments possess valid construction licences and occupancy certificates.
Court Scrutinizes Commercial Operations in Illegal Structures
The high court is actively investigating the broader issue of commercial activities being permitted within illegal structures across the state. This judicial scrutiny stems from a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) initiated in response to the devastating fire incident at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub.
On December 6, 2025, this tragic event resulted in the loss of 25 lives, prompting the court to take proactive measures to address systemic failures and prevent future occurrences.
Specific Court Directives and Legal Proceedings
Advocate General Devidas Pangam clarified the court's orders, stating, "The court directed all the panchayats in the coastal belt to file an affidavit showing the court in what cases and how many cases they issued trade licences, and how many of them had construction licences and occupancy certificates."
Regarding compensation for the victims of the nightclub fire, Pangam indicated that the court has scheduled the matter for next week to ascertain the extent of ex-gratia payments made or announced by the government.
Focus on Accountability and Preventive Measures
The court emphasized the importance of fixing liability on those responsible for the incident. Pangam noted that this aspect will be addressed once all parties involved have submitted their replies.
From the outset of the suo motu petition, the court has been committed to addressing potential future risks. The judicial body aims to establish robust prevention measures to avert similar tragedies, such as nightclub fires, from occurring in the near future.
Potential Consequences for Responsible Officials
In a stern move, the court also discussed holding officials accountable for their roles in the fire incident. Pangam revealed, "The court wants to find out whether their properties can be confiscated for causing loss of life."
This indicates a serious intent to impose substantial penalties on individuals found negligent or complicit in the events leading to the fatal fire.
Broader Implications for Regulatory Compliance
The high court's directives underscore a critical need for enhanced regulatory oversight and compliance within coastal regions. By compelling panchayats to disclose licensing details, the court seeks to identify gaps in enforcement and ensure that commercial operations adhere to legal standards.
This judicial intervention highlights the ongoing efforts to strengthen public safety protocols and hold authorities accountable for lapses that endanger lives.
