PANAJI
The High Court of Bombay at Goa has refused to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that alleged unscientific and environmentally damaging road expansion along the Major District Road at Verna. The court said the petitioner had not first raised his concerns with the concerned authorities.
The Division Bench of Justice Suman Shyam and Justice Amit Jamsandekar was hearing the PIL filed by Moses Pinto, who appeared in person. The petition sought urgent court intervention against alleged road expansion and earthwork along the Verna highway (district road no. 38), claiming the work was causing irreversible damage to wildlife habitats, migratory bird feeding areas and the region’s water balance.
The petitioner argued that the work was disturbing ecological food chains and violating rights protected under Articles 21, 48A and 51A(g) of the Constitution. Photographs were submitted to support the claims.
Additional Government Advocate Maria Correia opposed the petition, saying the allegations were incorrect and that no construction was taking place beyond land legally acquired for the project.
The Bench noted that while the issue raised was of public importance, the petitioner had not submitted any complaint or representation to the authorities pointing out the alleged irregularities and giving them a chance to act.
While disposing of the petition, the court allowed the petitioner to submit a proper representation to the authorities within two weeks. It directed the authorities to examine the matter and take action according to law if such a representation is filed. The court also said the petitioner may approach the court again if he remains dissatisfied.
