PANAJI
The High Court of Bombay at Goa conducted its first hearing in a suo motu petition regarding illegal constructions pan-Goa with arguments focusing on the scope of the Panchayat Raj Act, the powers of Panchayats and failure to act against rampant violations.
The Bench also discussed the responsibilities of the Sarpanch, Deputy Sarpanch and the Secretary at each Village Panchayat examining their inaction, consequences over their failure to act and statutory duties. The hearing will continue tomorrow.
Briefing journalists about the hearing, Advocate General Devidas Pangam stated the High Court also raised concerns about how water and electricity connections were granted to illegal structures. Arguments included whether the health officer can allow such connections without mandatory permissions from relevant government departments.
“The Court wishes to know what measures can be taken to stop the menace,” Pangam said.
The High Court had last week taken suo motu cognizance of the growing issue of illegal constructions in the State while observing that most of these structures are erected along roadsides, in Coastal Regulation Zone areas, and within village panchayat and municipal limits. These constructions, some temporary and some permanent, have come up overnight, the Court observed.
