PANAJI
Legal experts and social activists have criticised the Bhumiputra Adhikarini Bill 2021 passed in the Assembly on Friday night, claiming that it would not stand scrutiny of the courts and would also provide huge scope for mala fide interests.
The Bill provides for a mechanism to give ownership rights to self-occupied dweller in the State.
‘PREMIUM ON
ILLEGALITY’
Legal expert Cleofato Almeida Coutinho opined that the Bill had put a premium on illegality.
“The bills will not stand scrutiny of the court and it is not democratic to pass such big bill without discussion keeping eye on upcoming elections,” said Coutinho.
“When a big Bill is brought, it is not correct when it is bulldozed without any discussion.
Under the rules, a minimum of 48 hours notice has to be given to pass the Bill. In this case, not even a 12-hour notice was given and so, there was hardly any discussion on the bill.”
“When laws are passed of this nature without any discussion and you bulldoze the laws, it is not in democracy,” said Coutinho.
As far as private landlords are concerned, he said it was absolutely unfair to make a law legalising illegality.
“The condition of 30 years of domicile is for a person, but for the illegal structure it is of about a year-and-half. They know very well that the law will not stand the scrutiny of court but they are passing the law looking at elections,” he added.
‘MASSIVE SCOPE FOR
MALA FIDE INTERESTS’
Heritage activist Sanjeev Sardesai felt the manner and haste with which the Bhumiputra Adhikarini Bill has been pushed through, would provide huge scope for mala fide interests, keeping in mind the alleged land grab scams involving some government staff where legal procedures have been hoodwinked.
“In all possibility, candidly observing the time frame allotted for receiving applications, it seems this Bill is made for a certain section to benefit. It should have been discussed in Assembly.”
“Such legislation will have huge ramifications that need to be examined. Prior to elections, every applicant will be approached by candidates of all political parties and independents,” said Sardesai.
‘MAY LEAD TO
INCREASED FIGHTS’
Social activist and Goa Consumer Action Network (GOACAN) coordinator Roland Martins feared that the law would give rise to verbal and physical spats between landowners and occupants.
“RTI applications will be filed to get information about the applicant. These will result in more RTI applications. Landowners will start verbal and physical spats with applicants. Children in schools will get heckled, women will face abuse and senior citizens will panic.”
“Police stations will get busy with complaints and counter-complaints. Legal battles will start in the courts. Those in the photocopying business will double their turnover,” said Martins.
‘UNNECESSARY LAW,
SLAP ON GOANS’
Psychiatrist and actor Dr Meenacshi Martins said the Bhumiputra Adhikarini Bill was an “absolutely unnecessary” Bill and a slap on the Goans, especially those that own land.
“How can a government cause harassment to its own people? It is unconstitutional to grab land. This Bill is against constitutional rights of actual sons and daughters of this State.”
“The title of the Bill is deliberately misleading and smacks of political stunts for votebank in lands of Goans land owners and our community lands. When the law does not allow acquisition without consent, this Bill appears to be a backdoor entry to land grabbing politicians and their goondas,” said Dr Martins.
She said it was an “absolutely unnecessary” Bill passed in haste and without public participation, which seemed like an agenda with unhealthy motives.
“Safety and security of the landowner is at stake. Goan landowners and comunidades have their interests invaded by this perverse Bill,” Dr Martins added.
