Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has announced the Goa government's decision to file an intervention petition in the Supreme Court against the High Court's order to seal commercial establishments in Anjuna. The move comes after allegations of incorrect information presented by the Anjuna Panchayat and its Secretary before the court, leading to the sealing order affecting 175 businesses in the area.
CM Sawant highlighted the alleged misinformation provided by the Panchayat Secretary, which prompted the High Court's decision to seal the businesses. He emphasized that the government stands in support of those with legal construction and business licenses stating, "We have asked that intervention petition be filed in High Court. The Government is also filing intervene petition in the Supreme Court against that order, in favour of people having legal construction license and legal business licenses. The Government is ready to help them."
The High Court's order targeted 175 commercial establishments, including restaurants and lodges along Anjuna beach, citing lack of necessary permissions from relevant authorities. While some businesses had clearance from the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), a significant portion lacked permissions under the Panchayat Raj Act.
Notably, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo echoed concerns over the closure of legal businesses, emphasizing the importance of tax contributions and questioning why locals should bear the brunt of punitive measures. He also called for accountability, suggesting penalties for the Panchayat Secretary's failure to issue relevant licenses. Lobo remarked, "Legal businesses should not be shut, they pay tax, why locals should be punished."
