Gaunkars call move an ‘affront to the comunidade system’; pledge support to court petition
MAPUSA
Strongly objecting to the government’s move to regularise illegal structures on comunidade land, the Guirim comunidade on Sunday unanimously resolved to oppose the recently passed amendment to the Goa Legislative Diploma No 2070 and to support other comunidades that have challenged the law in the High Court.
At a well-attended general body meeting, gaunkars of Guirim censured the government for introducing the Goa Legislative Diploma No 2070 (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was passed during the monsoon session of the Assembly in August.
The amendment seeks to legalise unauthorised houses built on comunidade land before February 28, 2014.
Calling the legislation “an affront to the very spirit of the comunidade system”, members said the move would only embolden further encroachment on comunidade land.
“We have categorically rejected this bill. Our comunidade will stand firmly with the other comunidades that have approached the High Court to challenge this law. This bill undermines the rights of gaunkars and the sanctity of comunidade property,” said Guirim Comunidade President Tulio D’Souza.
D’Souza said that two writ petitions are already before the High Court concerning illegal structures built on comunidade land without proper authorisation.
“The High Court has directed the Revenue Department and the Administrator of Comunidades to act against such illegal constructions immediately and report compliance to the court,” he said.
Several gaunkars at the meeting echoed the sentiment, urging the government to withdraw the amendment. “Instead of rewarding illegal occupants, the government should act against encroachments and protect comunidade lands,” said one gaunkar.
Another member remarked that legalising illegal structures “sets a dangerous precedent and dilutes the traditional system of land ownership that has existed for centuries”.
The comunidade further resolved to coordinate with neighbouring comunidades to mount a united front against the law.
“We will not allow comunidade land to be usurped under the guise of regularisation,” D’Souza added.
The Guirim comunidade’s resolution adds to a growing chorus of opposition from comunidades across the State, who argue that the government’s move undermines local self-governance and centuries-old land management practices unique to the State.
