Delhi court denied transit anticipatory bail to Saurabh and Gaurav Luthras, owners of the Goa nightclub where a fatal fire occurred. The brothers sought protection to avoid immediate arrest upon returning from Thailand. Goa’s counsel argued they were evading legal process, while the defense emphasized their willingness to cooperate with the investigation. Court denies interim bail to Luthra brothers (Image credits: IANS) NEW DELHI: Delhi court on Thursday denied transit anticipatory bail plea of Saurabh and Gaurav Luthras, owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa where a massive fire last week killed at least 25 people.The brothers sought four weeks of transit anticipatory bail on Wednesday, seeking protection from immediate arrest after their return to Delhi from Thailand. The brothers were detained by Thai police early on Thursday at the request of Indian law enforcement agencies. According to officials, their deportation from New Zealand has also been initiated. Goa Club Owners Saurabh & Gaurav Luthra Arrested in Phuket After Deadly Fire Additional Sessions Judge Vandana reserved the order till 5 pm after hearing the arguments of the advocates who appeared for the Luthras.One of the counsels for the applicants argued that they were willing to return immediately and face the investigation, and urged the court not to “punish them at the threshold”.He said the brothers had approached the Delhi court at the earliest opportunity and undertook to join the probe without delay. “If I land in India tonight and the investigating officer (IO) tells me to appear at midnight, I will be there,” he said.The counsel said that transit bail was not a determination on merits but a limited protection to ensure safe access to the right court.He cited a Supreme Court order permitting an accused abroad, against whom Blue and Red Corner notices were contemplated, to return to India with temporary protection. “I only seek protection for a few days to reach the court safely. When a citizen is willing to submit to the law, the Court must extend a helping hand, not a fist,” he said.Opposing the plea, the counsel for the state of Goa argued that the Luthra brothers had left Goa immediately after the fire and had been “evading the legal process”. He said the law does not aid those who refuse to submit to summons or warrants.Referring to judicial observations, the counsel said, “Once it is shown that a person is attempting to evade the process of law, the court should not come to his aid at all.”He added that anticipatory bail is a discretionary relief and cannot be granted to those who have “created obstacles in the execution of warrants or concealed themselves”About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosExplained: Did Mexico Follow Trump’s Footsteps To Slap Tariff on India? Impact on Indian TradersKharge Hits Back As JP Nadda Slams Nehru, Congress Over Vande Mataram In Rajya SabhaSouth Asian Bloc Minus India? 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NEW DELHI: Delhi court on Thursday denied transit anticipatory bail plea of Saurabh and Gaurav Luthras, owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa where a massive fire last week killed at least 25 people.The brothers sought four weeks of transit anticipatory bail on Wednesday, seeking protection from immediate arrest after their return to Delhi from Thailand. The brothers were detained by Thai police early on Thursday at the request of Indian law enforcement agencies. According to officials, their deportation from New Zealand has also been initiated.
Additional Sessions Judge Vandana reserved the order till 5 pm after hearing the arguments of the advocates who appeared for the Luthras.One of the counsels for the applicants argued that they were willing to return immediately and face the investigation, and urged the court not to “punish them at the threshold”.He said the brothers had approached the Delhi court at the earliest opportunity and undertook to join the probe without delay. “If I land in India tonight and the investigating officer (IO) tells me to appear at midnight, I will be there,” he said.The counsel said that transit bail was not a determination on merits but a limited protection to ensure safe access to the right court.He cited a Supreme Court order permitting an accused abroad, against whom Blue and Red Corner notices were contemplated, to return to India with temporary protection. “I only seek protection for a few days to reach the court safely. When a citizen is willing to submit to the law, the Court must extend a helping hand, not a fist,” he said.Opposing the plea, the counsel for the state of Goa argued that the Luthra brothers had left Goa immediately after the fire and had been “evading the legal process”. He said the law does not aid those who refuse to submit to summons or warrants.Referring to judicial observations, the counsel said, “Once it is shown that a person is attempting to evade the process of law, the court should not come to his aid at all.”He added that anticipatory bail is a discretionary relief and cannot be granted to those who have “created obstacles in the execution of warrants or concealed themselves”
