Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Bombay High Court at Goa has instructed all relevant authorities to promptly enforce the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court concerning construction approvals and associated procedures.
The direction came while disposing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Agnelo Baretto. A Division Bench comprising Justice Suman Shyam and Justice Amit Jamsandekar ruled that the apex court’s judgment, along with subsequent circulars issued by State authorities, must be implemented strictly and without deviation.
During the proceedings, Advocate Sahil Sardesai, appearing for the petitioner, argued that despite circulars issued by the Directorate of Panchayats, the Urban Development Department, and the Chief Town Planner in 2025 and January 2026 to give effect to the Supreme Court’s December 17, 2024 ruling, the authorities had failed to take meaningful action.
He urged the court to direct the government to ensure immediate compliance with those directives. Representing the State, Additional Government Advocate Akshata Bhat informed the Bench that the government had no objection to such an order being passed.
After examining the Supreme Court’s judgment and the three related circulars, the High Court observed that the petitioner’s request was justified and could be granted.
The Bench accordingly disposed of the petition, directing all concerned departments to take immediate steps to enforce the Supreme Court’s December 17, 2024 order, as well as the circulars dated May 9, 2025 and January 14, 2026, “in letter and spirit.”
The court also ordered that copies of its directive be circulated to all relevant authorities to ensure proper compliance with the apex court’s guidelines.
