Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: The Goa government has withdrawn its earlier decision to relocate the North Goa District Courts from Mapusa to Merces, bringing major relief to litigants and the legal fraternity who had opposed the proposal.
The decision came after sustained objections raised by the Mapusa Advocates’ Forum, which argued that shifting the courts would create significant inconvenience for thousands of litigants who depend on easy access to the Mapusa complex. The Forum warned that relocating the district courts would increase travel time, raise costs for citizens and disrupt the functioning of legal services.
A delegation led by Forum president Advocate Paresh Rao met senior political leaders, including Calangute MLA and GSIDC Chairman Michael Lobo, Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo and Mapusa MLA and Deputy Speaker Joshua D’Souza. During the discussions, the delegation reiterated that the existing Mapusa location remained central and accessible for North Goa, while shifting the courts to Merces would burden both lawyers and the public.
Following the meeting, Joshua D’Souza informed the Forum that Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant had agreed to recall the relocation order. The government’s withdrawal brings the months-long issue to a close, ensuring that the district courts will continue to function from Mapusa.
Officials said a fresh review of court infrastructure requirements may be undertaken later, but any future proposal will involve consultations with stakeholders.
