PANAJI
The Bombay High Court at Goa has granted Ashok Kandhari, the proponent of the Arambol four-storey illegal hotel an additional 90 days to demolish his structure on condition that he deposits Rs 45-lakh with the court towards demolition charges of the structure which the High Court said was without prejudice to action Kandhari may be liable to face for breach of undertakings given to the Court.
Kandhari had earlier given an undertaking to the High Court that he would have his four-storey illegal hotel demolished by December 13.
The High Court order came on an application filed by Kandhari who approached the High Court seeking an additional six months to demolish his structure after his special leave petition against the High Court’s order was dismissed by the Supreme Court.
On Wednesday, Kandhari, who is present in the Court, undertook to deposit a sum of Rs 45 lakh within twenty days from today without giving any excuses “ equivalent to the estimate produced by the Advocate General for the demolition of the building.
“Based on the above undertaking and the hope that Kandhari will abide by this undertaking… [an] extension of 90 days is granted to complete the demolition and clearing of the debris. A status report will have to be filed by the Applicant by 31.01.2024 along with photographs showing the progress of the work,” the High Court ruled adding that “if for any reason the amount of Rs 45 lakh is not deposited… within twenty days from today, then, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) must proceed with the demolition work immediately.”
“The deposited amount shall be kept as security for completing the demolition work within 90 days and clearing the debris on the site. If the work is completed within 90 days and even the debris at the site is cleared, this amount can be returned along with interest that may have accrued on the said amount. However, if there is a breach in carrying out demolition and clearing the debris within 90 days from today, then… this amount can be paid to the GCZMA so that the GCZMA can proceed with the demolition works,” the High Court said.
