Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Mar 24: The High Court of Bombay at Goa has extended the deadline for village panchayats to submit sworn affidavits detailing permissions granted to commercial establishments, setting a new cut-off of March 30.

The direction comes amid an ongoing probe into the fatal blaze at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora on December 6, 2025, which claimed 25 lives. The court has expanded the scope of the inquiry to examine systemic lapses in granting licences and construction approvals.

A division bench comprising Justices Valmiki Menezes and Amit Jamsandekar granted additional time after noting that while some village panchayats had submitted affidavits on the day of hearing, several others were yet to comply.

The matter is being heard as a suo motu public interest litigation. During an earlier hearing, a bench led by Suman Shyam had termed the incident “a clear case of violation of fundamental rights.”

Advocate General Devidas Pangam told the court that stringent corrective measures were required and accountability must be fixed. He informed that the accused are in custody and multiple inquiries, including departmental proceedings against suspended officials, are underway.

Pangam further submitted that the structure where the fire broke out lacked a construction licence, clearance from the Town and Country Planning Department, and other statutory permissions. He alleged that permissions were misused under the guise of repair licences and house numbering, calling it a case of fraud.

Taking note of the need for a broader audit, the bench directed panchayat secretaries to disclose, through affidavits, details of construction permissions, trade licences, and occupancy certificates issued to commercial establishments.