the goan I network
OLD GOA
In a peculiar case, a High Court order directing the Se-Old Goa panchayat to stop a person from operating illegal businesses in Old Goa within four months of the directives, has come a cropper, as the applicant has been made to run from pillar to post to get the order executed.
The directives were issued by the high court on November 7, 2017, which were to be complied on or before March 6, 2018.
However since the businesses continued to be operated, the applicant appealed before the Director of Panchayats who, on November 23, directed the panchayat secretary to stop all illegal businesses carried out in the premises at Old Goa.
Accordingly, the Se-Old Goa panchayat issued a notice to the party on November 26, asking to close the businesses like selling of ready made garments, dry fruits, repacking of dry fruits, juice centre, liquor outlet and an ATM centre.
However, there seems to be little effect as the businesses continue to be operated.
When contacted, Panchayat Secretary Naresh Gaude said there is no provision in the Goa Panchayat Raj Act which allows it to enforce the order to close the businesses.
“At best, we can write to the Magistrate under Section 228 to take further action,” Gaude stated and added that the police have also been informed about the same.
But the Old Goa police said that they are not the authority to enforce closure of any business. “The order clearly states that the panchayat should take action and seek assistance from the police, if needed,” a police source informed The Goan.
With the panchayat authorities stating that they are not empowered to act in shutting of illegal businesses, the question now remains whether the illegal businesses in question will ever be shut down.
