Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: “The Congress party is shocked, and deeply regretful of the bitter blow dealt to the people of Goa with the order of the High Court of Bombay in Goa quashing the demolition order issued by the ASI as well as the TCP Department on the grounds of not following the process of natural justice,” said Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) General Secretary Capt Viriato Fernandes, while addressing a press conference at Congress headquarters in Panaji.
Reacting to the High Court order on the Old Goa Bungalow structure, GPCC leader Capt Viriato Fernandes said his party will spare no effort in ensuring that the case is highlighted and the illegality is dealt with according to the law of the land and not through subversion of justice in favour of vested interests.
Congress also accused the state government of allegedly putting up a weak case in a bid to favour the builder and owner.
“It must be recalled that only a hut existed in the property. Upon investigation, the bungalow fraudulently shown on the property by the owners proved to be located in Pernem. Despite such glaring and open fraud carried out by the owners of the bungalow and the public pronouncement by the then TCP minister that the permissions were obtained fraudulently, it is extremely distressing that the government has intentionally and knowingly collaborated with the lawbreakers by not following the process of law and helping the accused owners to escape the statutory demolition process that should have been inevitable,” he said.
He said this is not surprising that the government has surreptitiously succeeded in ensuring such an order is passed.
“After all, the BJP is known for skirting the law regarding its own party members and favoured cronies. This is not about the demolition of an illegal bungalow but a direct challenge to the community of Goans in protecting our DAIZ, our heritage,” Capt Viriato charged.
“Congress party will spare no effort in ensuring that the case is highlighted and so that this illegality is dealt with according to the law of the land and not through subversion of justice in favour of vested interests,” said Captain Variato Fernandes
Capt Variato further said that it is not about demolishing an illegal bungalow but a direct challenge to the community of Goans in protecting our DAIZ, our heritage.
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