Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Bombay High Court at Goa, while hearing a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in connection with the Birch fire tragedy, has directed all coastal village Panchayats to furnish detailed information regarding trade licences issued within their respective jurisdictions.
The Court has specifically sought details on whether commercial establishments granted trade licences possess valid construction licences and occupancy certificates, indicating a wider scrutiny of regulatory compliance in coastal areas.
During the hearing, the High Court also asked the Goa government to place on record information pertaining to ex-gratia compensation provided to the victims of the Birch fire tragedy.
The matter has been posted for further hearing on February 24, when the Court is expected to review the submissions from the Panchayats as well as the State government.
The suo motu PIL was initiated by the Court in the aftermath of the Birch fire incident, amid concerns over safety norms and regulatory oversight.
