PANAJI
A resident of Dhargalim has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Bombay High Court at Goa, seeking to revoke permissions granted for the Sunburn festival in Goa.
In his petition, Bharat Bagkar stated that Dhargalim is undergoing infrastructural development aimed at overall socio-economic growth. He raised concerns that the festival’s proposed new venue in Dhargalim, as announced on its social media page, could lead to problems such as alcohol and drug misuse, along with excessive noise and light pollution.
He also alleged that the festival organisers have not complied with previous High Court directions and have irregularities in tax payments and arrears.
“Considering the larger public interest at risk due to the Sunburn Festival 2024, there is no quick alternative but to approach the Court through this PIL,” the petition reads. It further requests the Court to cancel or revoke the permissions granted for the festival. Alternatively, the petitioner suggested moving the event to a closed-door venue away from Dhargalim, preferably to a location where tourism is promoted.
The petitioner also asked the Court to stay ticket sales and permissions for the festival while the petition is being heard.
Additionally, he requested that funds already collected be deposited into a secure account with a nationalised bank as directed by the Court.
