The High Court of Bombay at Goa has granted a final extension to village panchayats that have not yet submitted sworn affidavits detailing permissions issued to commercial establishments, setting April 7 as the new deadline.
The direction was issued during the hearing of a suo motu public interest litigation initiated in the wake of the fire at the “Birch by Romeo Lane” outlet in Arpora on December 6, 2025, which claimed 25 lives. The court has since widened the scope of the case to examine issues related to licensing and construction approvals.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Valmiki Menezes and Justice Amit Jamsandekar observed that while some panchayats had complied with earlier directions, several had failed to file the required affidavits. The court reiterated that the extension granted is a final opportunity.
At the latest hearing, the Bench noted continued non-compliance by certain panchayats and fixed April 8 as the next date of hearing.
Panchayat secretaries have been directed to submit detailed affidavits specifying permissions granted to commercial entities, including construction approvals, trade licences and occupancy certificates, as part of a broader review.
In earlier proceedings, the court had termed the Arpora fire incident a serious violation of fundamental rights. Advocate General Devidas Pangam informed the court that responsibility must be determined and corrective steps taken.
The matter continues to remain under judicial scrutiny as the court presses for accountability and systemic compliance.
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