Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The High Court of Bombay at Goa has directed the Goa Chief Secretary to place on record an affidavit explaining the State government’s policy concerning its proposal to purchase a portion of Mormugao Port Authority land at Sada.
The direction comes against the backdrop of an alleged unauthorised installation of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the land. The court is expected to examine the government’s position on the proposed purchase and the circumstances surrounding the use of the port authority’s property.
The Chief Secretary has been asked to clarify the government’s policy and place the relevant details before the court through an affidavit.
HC warns panchayat secretaries over illegal structures
In a separate matter concerning unauthorised constructions, the High Court warned panchayat secretaries that costs could be imposed if they continue to submit inadequate or non-compliant reports on action taken against illegal structures within their respective jurisdictions.
The Bench said it would take a serious view of compliance reports that do not properly reflect the action taken by the concerned authorities.
The court directed that the relevant report be placed on record. It also asked the amicus curiae to prepare a consolidated note setting out all pending compliance issues in the matter.
The note is expected to include applications filed by the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) and other parties seeking additional time to comply with earlier directions.
The matter has been posted for hearing on Monday, when the court is expected to consider the status of the pending compliances and the reports submitted by the authorities.
