The Directorate of Panchayats has dismissed an appeal that challenged the demolition of the controversial Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub. The Additional Director of Panchayats-I upheld the April 20, 2024, demolition notice issued by the Arpora-Nagoa Village Panchayat, effectively clearing the path for the removal of unauthorized constructions built on local salt pans. The ruling vacated an earlier status quo order, emphasizing that the nightclub structures were erected without the requisite permissions mandated under Section 66 of the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994, and that subsequent repair approvals could not validate an initially illegal structure.
The structural legality of Birch by Romeo Lane came under intense scrutiny following a devastating fire on December 6, 2025, which tragically claimed the lives of 25 people and injured 50 others. The property owner, UK national Surinder Kumar Khosla, had contested the panchayat’s demolition directive, arguing that significant investments had been made and that taxes and electricity charges were being paid. However, the Additional Director noted a complete absence of initial construction approvals and highlighted the December fire as evidence that the unauthorized buildings posed severe health hazards and public safety risks.
Following the dismissal of the appeal, the Arpora-Nagoa panchayat rapidly initiated the administrative process to execute the demolition, seeking original documents from the police to requisition a demolition squad. However, the execution of the demolition order has encountered another legal hurdle. On February 18, 2026, a district court granted temporary relief by staying the demolition until February 23. This stay was issued after Vijay Lakshmi, Khosla’s wife and interim guardian, challenged the panchayat’s procedures, ensuring the site remains standing while the legal dispute continues in court.
