PANAJI
The High Court of Bombay at Goa on Tuesday dismissed a writ petition filed by one Lalita Kankonkar challenging demolition orders issued by the Civil Judge, Senior Division, Vasco, and directed the South Goa police to ensure the execution of the decree.
Justice Valmiki Menezes held that the petitioner, who is the judgment debtor in the case, made repeated attempts to stall the demolition of two illegal structures. The decree for demolition was earlier passed in 2013, but execution has been delayed for over a decade due to repeated objections and pleas.
Based on submissions, the Court observed that a fresh warrant of demolition issued on September 11, was obstructed on September 26 when around 200 persons, including MLA Sankalp Amonkar, restrained the bailiff and commissioner from carrying out the demolition. The Mormugao Police Inspector conceded his inability to provide protection at the site.
Taking serious note of the obstruction, the High Court directed the Superintendent of Police, South Goa, to supervise the demolition and ensure adequate police deployment. The Mormugao PI has been ordered to provide necessary assistance under the SP’s supervision, and filing of a compliance report after execution on the demolition of the 45 sq mtrs illegal house and the 10.60-metre retaining wall.
