MAPUSA
In a peculiar turn of events, the Assagao village panchayat sealed the premises of the popular Gun Powder Bar & Restaurant on Tuesday morning, only for the Bombay High Court at Goa to direct later in the day that the property should not be sealed and, if already sealed, be reopened immediately.
A division bench passed the interim order while hearing a writ petition filed by the restaurant owner challenging the refusal to grant or renew a trade licence.
The court was informed that the panchayat had initiated action to seal the restaurant on the ground that it was operating without a valid trade licence.
Meanwhile, Assagao Sarpanch Hanumant Naik said the panchayat’s action was also prompted by long-standing complaints from local residents regarding traffic congestion and parking issues allegedly caused by the restaurant.
“The restaurant was creating inconvenience to motorists and local residents. Vehicles parked on the road and those exiting the premises caused difficulties. We had raised the issue with the BDO, Goa State Pollution Control Board and other departments, but no action was taken,” Naik said.
Naik confirmed that the panchayat received the High Court order through email later in the day. “As per the High Court direction, we will de-seal the restaurant,” he said.
