* ODPs Scrapped: HC declared the 5 ODPs illegal.
* Land Use Reverted: All plots return to RP 2021 zoning.
* Permissions Cancelled: All ODP-based approvals now invalid.
* Demolition Risk: Non-compliant buildings face demolition.
* Circular & Orders Quashed: Govt circular, ordinance, and Article 162 order struck down.
* No Review of Individual Zones: Entire process void, so no need to check each plot.
* State to Appeal: Govt will seek a stay and challenge the ruling.
Team Goemkarponn
Panaji:
The High Court has set aside the Outline Development Plans (ODPs) for Calangute, Candolim, Arpora, Nagoa, and Parra, declaring them invalid. While the judgment was pronounced on June 23, 2025, it was made publicly available on Tuesday.
The petitions were filed by the Goa Foundation and Roshan Mathias. Senior Advocate Norma Alvares argued the matter, assisted by Advocates Om D’Costa, Sherwyn Correia, and Malissa Simoes.
In its 118-page order, the Court directed that all zoning and land-use classifications in the five villages revert to those specified under the Regional Plan 2021. As a result, the two ODPs notified for these areas stand annulled, and all zoning certificates issued on their basis have been cancelled. Any development that does not conform to RP 2021 norms will be subject to demolition, in line with an earlier interim order of the Supreme Court in the same matter.
The judgment also quashed the Chief Town Planner’s circular dated December 22, 2022, which had sought to keep the ODPs operational after the villages were de-notified as Planning Areas under the Town and Country Planning Act. Although the High Court had previously stayed this circular, the state government later issued an ordinance to bypass the stay. The ordinance lapsed, after which an executive order under Article 162 of the Constitution was issued to protect the permissions and approvals granted under the ODPs. The Court held that this executive order was also invalid.
Since the Court found the preparation and continuation of the ODPs to be unlawful, it did not examine individual zoning changes that occurred when the ODPs replaced the earlier plan.
The state government has stated it will move for a stay of the judgment and file an appeal.
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