Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: Vendors operating from the ground floor of the fire-ravaged New Modern Municipal Market in Vasco have opposed the Mormugao Municipal Council’s (MMC) decision to evict them within 24 hours, demanding reasonable time to make alternative arrangements and pursue legal remedies against the order.
The eviction notice, issued by MMC Chief Officer Siddhivinayak S Naik on November 3, directs the vendors to vacate the fire-affected building within 24 hours. The Council has initiated the action in compliance with directions from the South Goa Collector, following an adverse structural stability report on the damaged building.
The notice also directs the Council to cordon off the premises and restrict public entry to prevent access to the unsafe structure. Assistant Engineers of the Electricity Department and the Department of Drinking Water have also been instructed to disconnect electricity and water connections to the building.
The sudden directive has triggered anxiety among vendors, many of whom are still struggling to recover from the losses suffered in the devastating market fire. They have questioned how they could vacate their business premises and secure their remaining belongings within such a short period.
In their response submitted to the Chief Officer, the vendors have challenged the manner in which the eviction decision was taken, alleging that the Council failed to follow the basic principles of natural justice before issuing the notice.
While acknowledging the safety concerns arising from the adverse structural assessment, the vendors have maintained that they should have been given a reasonable opportunity to present their objections and sufficient time to comply with the directions.
Terming the 24-hour deadline unreasonable, they have urged the Council to refrain from taking coercive action until their objections are considered.
The vendors have specifically sought protection from enforcement action for at least 24 hours from 12.30 pm on November 4, stating that the additional time would enable them to submit their response and explore appropriate legal remedies against the eviction order.
They have also questioned the Council’s decision to impose an immediate deadline without allowing them an opportunity to present their case, particularly when their livelihoods have already been severely affected by the market fire.
