MAPUSA
Senior advocate and former Advocate General Carlos Ferreira has strongly criticized certain ministers for allegedly misrepresenting the recent High Court ruling on illegal constructions, accusing them of misleading the public and downplaying the court’s clear directive.
Explaining the order at the Aldona Gram Sabha on Sunday, Ferreira clarified that the High Court has unequivocally ordered the demolition of illegal structures across all categories.
“Some ministers either do not understand the ruling, are deliberately misleading people, or are outright lying when they claim the court said nothing about demolition,” Ferreira stated.
He praised Chief Minister Pramod Sawant for clearly distinguishing between illegal and irregular structures in his remarks on the issue.
Ferreira, who is also the MLA of Aldona, stressed the need for public awareness and government preparedness in light of the court’s decision.
“People must be ready for what’s coming. The government too can act proactively “ either by introducing an ordinance or tabling a bill to deal with the fallout,” he said.
Ferreira also took aim at what he described as double standards in governance, alleging that the system favours the wealthy and well-connected.
“Whenever the rich and famous are involved, the government is quick to amend laws “ even allowing them to build on agricultural or tenanted land,” he said. “Meanwhile, the aam aadmi is left to struggle or forced to sell their land out of helplessness.”
Citing an example, Ferreira pointed out that ordinary citizens face numerous obstacles when seeking construction permission in Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) areas. “Authorities give a range of excuses “ calling it a non-vacant plot, citing irrelevant rules “ but the moment an influential person acquires that same land, all permissions come through from Delhi without delay,” he remarked.
Touching on the issue of road widening, Ferreira clarified that the High Court’s demolition directive applies strictly to constructions, not movable structures like handcarts.
“The court has not passed any order against non-constructions. Movable handcarts are not affected,” he said.
Ferreira’s comments come amid growing public anxiety and confusion over the implications of the High Court’s verdict, especially in areas where illegal structures have proliferated.
