PANAJI
The High Court of Bombay at Goa has pulled up the Goa government for repeatedly seeking more time to file its reply, observing a ‘trend’ of matters being deferred because files have to be discussed with higher authorities.
The Division Bench of Justice Valmiki Menezes and Justice Amit Jamsandekar made the observations on Wednesday while hearing a petition seeking to restrain the entry and operation of the high-capacity offshore casino vessel MV Royale Flotel in the Mandovi River.
The Bench said the practice was not confined to the present case and had been noticed in other matters as well.
“We are observing a trend where matters are repeatedly deferred on the ground that they must be discussed with higher authorities before a reply affidavit can be filed. The government continues to seek extra time,” it said.
The Court also stated that such delays impose substantial costs on its time and resources.
As per the latest order, the State government was originally required to file its affidavit by September 16. The Court then permitted it to be filed by September 24, Thursday, whereas the petitioners till September 28 to upload any rejoinder. The matter will be next heard on September 29.
The Bench also declined a request by the petitioners to take up the matter on priority on the given date, citing that around 60 matters were already listed, of which around 40 were still undergoing the filing process.
The petition, filed by Enough is Enough and others, challenged the entry and operation of the vessel in the Mandovi. During an earlier hearing, the company behind the casino vessel had informed the High Court that the State government had renewed its licence.
