Former Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court, Ferdino Rebello, delivered a sharp critique of the government on Wednesday. Speaking to members of the general public in Mapusa, he accused authorities of turning a deaf ear to people's grievances. His remarks have sparked significant attention in the coastal town.
Environmental Concerns Take Center Stage
Over the past month, Rebello has ignited widespread discussions on environmental degradation. He points to alleged illegal constructions and the clearing of hills to make way for large housing projects. These activities, he argues, are causing irreversible damage to the local ecosystem. Residents have expressed growing frustration with these developments.
Legislative Hurdles and Public Debate
Rebello also addressed recent statements made in the legislative assembly. He referred to Speaker Ganesh Gaonkar's comment on Tuesday that sub judice matters cannot be discussed in the House. Rebello countered this by saying, "One can simply ask a lawmaker to file a court case and then use the pending litigation as a shield to prevent discussion in the House."
He emphasized that while the House might avoid discussing specific legal merits, people's representatives retain an absolute right to debate issues affecting the public. This right, he stressed, is crucial for democratic accountability and transparency.
Call for Greater Government Responsiveness
Rebello's address in Mapusa highlighted a broader call for the government to listen more closely to citizen concerns. He urged officials to engage with the public on pressing matters like environmental protection and housing policies. His words resonated with many attendees who feel overlooked by current governance structures.
The former chief justice's statements underscore ongoing tensions between public expectations and governmental actions. As debates continue, his voice adds weight to calls for more responsive and inclusive decision-making processes in the region.
