Goemkarponn desk
PORVORIM: Over the course of eight months, from February to October 2023, the Goa Human Rights Commission recorded a massive backlog of 435 pending cases, primarily as a result of key position vacancies.
In spite of this, a number of human rights cases have been heard, and 136 recommendations have been made thus far, ten of which have been appealed to higher courts.
435 cases are still pending with the Commission as of right now. The Chairperson’s and two members’ positions were unfilled from February 27, 2023, to October 31, 2023, which is the main cause of the backlog.
In response to an unstarred question posed by MLA Venzy Veigas, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated that cases were adjourned sine die and would only resume after November 1, 2023, following the appointment of the Acting Chairperson and a new member.
There were additional causes for the backlog, such as the necessity for inquiries because of contested facts and respondents’ delayed responses. “Every effort is being made by the Commission to expedite the cases and administer justice,” CM stated.
Ten of the 136 recommendations that were made were contested in the Bombay High Court in Goa, while 110 of the recommendations were adopted. One of these was challenged in court and is currently awaiting a hearing at the Supreme Court.
Recommendations have been made in 16 cases, but Action Taken Reports are still pending. There have been messages sent. No recommendations have ever been turned down,” Sawant continued.
He went on to say in his reply that of the ten cases that were contested, the High Court had not yet announced the decisions in five of them, and one case was still pending before the Supreme Court.
The reply states, “In two cases, the High Court upheld the recommendations, whereas in one case, the High Court resolved the matter by setting aside the Commission’s order, and in another case, the High Court resolved the matter by giving the Commission directions.”
Desmond D’Costa, a retired principal district and sessions court judge Acting Chairperson Desmond D’Costa and retired District & Sessions Judge Pramod Kamat have been appointed, respectively.
