Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Bombay High Court at Goa has pulled up Calangute MLA Michael Lobo, issuing him a notice over allegations that he failed to act on a demolition order pertaining to illegal constructions at the Nazri Beach Resort, developed by M/s Elite Builders, in which he is a partner. Lobo has been directed to file his response by February 4, 2026, signalling a fresh push in a case that has remained unexecuted for seven years despite approvals from every judicial authority, including the Supreme Court.
The High Court’s intervention follows a writ petition filed by an Assagao resident, who has accused the State government, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) and the Calangute panchayat of intentionally delaying action to shield the politically connected developer. The petition highlights that the demolition order—originally issued by the GCZMA on July 9, 2018 for structures in Survey Nos. 319/2, 319/3, 319/5 and 319/12—was upheld by the National Green Tribunal and later by the Supreme Court, leaving no legal ambiguity about its enforceability.
M/s Elite Builders challenged the order before the NGT, and later the Supreme Court, but both forums dismissed the appeals. The apex court on April 8, 2024 declined to revisit arguments relating to the high tide line or construction permissions, confirming the demolition directive as final.
Despite this legal clarity, the petitioner claims that authorities have done nothing to implement the order. The allegedly unauthorised structures reportedly continue to function commercially, supported by routine renewals of trade licences issued by the Calangute panchayat. The petition accuses the panchayat and GCZMA of acting jointly to “sustain the illegality” and protect influential individuals.
Terming the prolonged inaction a violation of Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, the petitioner argues that residents’ rights to a clean environment and equal treatment under the law are being eroded. The plea seeks strict directions from the High Court to carry out the demolition within a specified period, cancel all licences, seal the property, and initiate proceedings against the concerned officials—including the GCZMA Member Secretary and the Calangute panchayat Secretary—for their alleged role in the delay.
With the High Court now formally seeking an explanation from Lobo, the political and legal scrutiny surrounding the Nazri Beach Resort is expected to intensify in the coming months.
