PANAJI
Businesses operating from premises within the jurisdiction of the Corporation of the City of Panaji beware: the CCP now has powers to seal your premises if you do not have a licence from the civic body.
The City of Panaji Corporation (Amendment) Act, 2022 (Goa Act 27 of 2022), which was passed by the Goa Legislative Assembly in the monsoon session has got the Governor's assent and was notified recently.
With the amendment a fresh sub-clause (242A) has been appended to the CCP Act: "Sealing of premises carrying on any trade or occupation without licence.” (1) If any person without obtaining a licence from the Commissioner carries on any trade or occupation in any premises within the limits of the Corporation area, the Commissioner shall, after giving an opportunity of being heard to such person, pass an order to seal such premises."
However, if an application for a licence has been filed with the CCP, the premises shall not be sealed till such time as the application is rejected on merit, the amendment mandates.
Also, the Commissioner may provide the party an opportunity and a set period of time to comply with applying and securing the licence instead of directly ordering the sealing of the premises, the amendment provides.
Meanwhile, another clause inserted in the CCP act through the same amendment gives the Commissioner powers to intervene and shift to shelter homes any street urchins loitering in the Corporation's jurisdiction.
"Whoever, in any street or public place within the limits of the Corporation area, begs for alms, or exposes, or exhibits with the object of exciting or extorting alms any deformity, disease or bodily ailment or any offensive sore or wound, shall be provided shelter in shelter homes recognised or aided by the Government,” the provision states.
