Bombay High Court Criticizes Goa Panchayats for Non-Compliance on Illegal Structures
The Bombay High Court has issued a stern rebuke to panchayats across Goa for their failure to submit mandatory compliance reports detailing actions taken against illegal constructions. This directive came during a hearing on Monday regarding a suo motu petition addressing unauthorized structures throughout the state.
Court Orders Disciplinary Action Against Non-Compliant Secretaries
A division bench comprising Justices Valmiki Menezes and Amit Jamsandekar expressed strong dissatisfaction with the lack of adherence to previous orders. The bench specifically directed the Director of Panchayats (DoP) to investigate panchayat secretaries who have not complied with the court's instructions and to initiate disciplinary proceedings against them in accordance with established service rules.
The court has mandated that this entire process must be completed within a strict timeframe of four weeks, after which a detailed compliance report must be submitted. The bench emphasized that the failure to comply with judicial orders constitutes, at the very least, a prima facie case of dereliction of duty by the responsible officials.
Background of the Court's Directives on Illegal Constructions
This latest order follows the court's observation that several panchayats had neither submitted the required action-taken reports nor sought extensions for doing so. The High Court had previously instructed all panchayats to provide comprehensive reports on measures implemented to address illegal structures within their respective jurisdictions.
When the matter was revisited on Monday, the bench once again admonished the secretaries for their continued non-compliance. "Earlier, on February 17, the court had granted panchayats and municipalities a one-week deadline to file these crucial reports," the bench noted, reiterating its earlier sentiment that "Goa is a paradise. It should look like a paradise."
Appointment of Nodal Officers to Ensure Compliance
To streamline the monitoring and enforcement process, the High Court has appointed specific nodal officers. These include the Deputy Director of Municipal Administration and an Extension Officer from the Panchayat Directorate. Their primary responsibility will be to thoroughly analyze all submitted reports and ensure that compliance is achieved across all panchayat and municipal areas.
The court's suo motu petition specifically targets illegal constructions located along roadsides, highways, major roads, and within both panchayat and municipal boundaries. The bench's firm stance underscores the judicial system's commitment to preserving Goa's aesthetic and regulatory integrity against unauthorized developmental activities.
