PANAJI
The Bombay High Court at Goa has directed the Goa police to maintain peace at the Sri Navdurga Devasthan at Madkai in view of the upcoming zatrotsav as well as to ensure that the official “receiver” is appointed for the purpose of receiving, securing and maintaining account/ record of all receivables such as cash, gold, sarees, perishable valuables, and other items during the annual zatrotsav.
The HC was hearing a petition by the Mazania of Shree Navdurga Saunsthan Madkai, which had sought protection from ‘respondents’ who they said despite an injunction order “are interfering with the petitioners' activities during the annual zatrotsav.
In response, the Goa government as well as the respondents, pointed to an order issued by the District Magistrate which has already appointed a receiver and has also ordered the posting of police personnel at the venue of the zatra to maintain law and order.
“The order dated 11.11.2022 records that suitable measures are to be taken to maintain law and order during the annual zatrotsav. The order directs the officials, including the two Executive Magistrates to take all precautionary measures and to avoid any untoward incident and maintain law and order at this annual event. At this stage, we only direct all the concerned officials to follow the order dated 11.11.2022. Besides, we are sure that the District Magistrate will continuously review the position and if any additional forces are required at the site, issue necessary orders,” the High Court bench of Justices M S Sonak and Bharat Deshpande, said.
The Advocate General told the court that though it may not be possible for the District Magistrate to once again function as the receiver, the District Magistrate will nominate a suitable government officer as a receiver during the zatrotsav.
“If the petitioners have any further grievances, they are at liberty to apply to the Civil Court where their Suit is already pending. This order has been made only to ensure that the annual zatrotsav festival proceeds without any law and order issues,” the High Court said.
