In the episode of Just Casual with Suraj Nandrekar, we host Kashinath Shetye. He is often described as multi-talented – a government servant, an engineer, an RTI activist, a legal fighter, and someone who has relentlessly taken up issues concerning the Goan people. Shetye has filed numerous public interest litigations in courts, even against political heavyweights, and continues to push for accountability in governance. In this freewheeling conversation, he opens up about his work, challenges, and motivations.
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Q: People call you multi-talented. You are a government servant, an engineer, an RTI activist, and also a fighter in the courts. How do you manage all of this?
Shetye: I devote my free time to studying issues and cases. Sometimes I work late into the night, going through documents. Once I am convinced about the merit of a case, I take it up in court. Most of my cases are in the larger public interest, not for personal gain. For me, documentation is key. If the government has erred, I show it with proof, and the courts have supported that.
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Q: You have been fighting against illegal constructions in Goa for many years. What is your approach?
Shetye: Illegal construction is one of the biggest issues. Many officers fail in their duty to act against them. I have filed cases in the High Court and even in the Supreme Court, pointing out how the law is ignored. Regularisation of illegal structures should not be allowed, especially when it affects the environment. We recently got important orders on this, including from the National Green Tribunal, which directed the demolition of certain structures. I believe if construction is illegal, it must go.
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Q: The Goa government has passed three Acts to regularise illegal constructions, including on Communidade land. What is your stand? Will you challenge this?
Kashinath Shetye: I will challenge these Acts in the Supreme Court. The government cannot regularise illegal constructions on Communidade land. Communidade land does not belong to the government. If the government wants to regularise, it can only do so on land that belongs to the government. Any attempt to legalise illegal structures on Communidade land is against the law and against public interest. We will seek a stay and press for strict action where needed.
Q. But aren’t these Acts meant to protect Goans who built their houses before 1972?
Shetye: That is the excuse, but the truth is different. They are trying to regularise constructions right up to 2014. This is simply hoodwinking people. The government is misleading Goans in the name of protecting old houses, while in reality allowing recent illegalities. That is why we will fight it in court.
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Q: People have raised concerns about the power department and registration of inverters and generators. What exactly is the issue?
Shetye: The Minister had said that all generators must be registered. People were worried. Our intention was not to harass anyone but to ensure safety. During shutdowns, when lines are restored, reverse current from inverters and generators can cause accidents. That is why we insist on registration. If people face issues, they can contact us. We are even helping them complete the process online. Life is precious, and safety comes first.
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Q: Many of your cases are against the government itself. How difficult is it to take on the very system you are a part of?
Shetye: It is not easy, because most government employees do not want to challenge their own department. But I believe if you are honest and have evidence, there is nothing to fear. I have faced personal challenges, even opposition from colleagues and family, but my conscience is clear. These fights are not for me, but for society.
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Q: Tourism-related constructions and coastal projects often make headlines. What is your stand on these?
Shetye: Development cannot come at the cost of destroying the environment. Goa survives on its ecology. If you cut hills, destroy beaches, or allow rampant construction, it is not sustainable. Fishermen, traditional businesses, and even local communities are affected. I have taken up several such cases to protect Goa’s land, water, and coast.
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Q: You have faced criticism and pressure. How do you keep going?
Shetye: I rely on truth, evidence, and the belief that God is with me. If I work with honesty and for the welfare of people, I don’t worry about consequences. Family support has not always been strong, but I draw strength from the larger cause.
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Q: Finally, what motivates you to continue despite the obstacles?
Shetye: Every issue I take up is for public interest, never for personal benefit. That keeps me motivated. Research, reading judgments, and following up cases till the Supreme Court is my way of contributing to society. At the end of the day, if even a small change happens because of my effort, it is worth it.
