Court warns p'yats of costs for repeated compliance extensions

PANAJI
The High Court of Bombay at Goa on Monday warned village panchayats that seeking repeated extensions to comply with its directions on illegal structures could come at a cost, with the Bench indicating that the penalty for default would be at least Rs 10,000.
The Division Bench of Justice Valmiki Menezes and Justice Amit Jamsandekar expressed displeasure after it was informed that several panchayats had filed miscellaneous civil applications seeking more time to submit affidavits detailing the action taken against illegal structures, particularly those encroaching upon or obstructing public roads.
The High Court sought the affidavits as part of the compliance process in a suo motu Public Interest Litigation on illegal constructions and encroachments in the State.
“Let the panchayats know we are not happy with the reason for extension. The cost will not be less than Rs 10,000,” the Bench said, allowing the matter to be taken up next Monday.
In earlier hearings, the High Court criticised the State and local authorities for failing to curb illegal structures and encroachments effectively. It had expressed concern that unchecked construction was affecting Goa’s fragile ecological landscape and questioned authorities over their reluctance or failure to act against violations.
As part of the proceedings, the Court had directed village panchayats to place on record compliance reports setting out the action taken against illegal structures within their jurisdictions.