PANAJI
The High Court of Bombay at Goa on Monday made it clear that the Birch fire incident would not be treated lightly and that it would examine the matter in depth to ensure what is in the best interest of Goa.
While hearing the suo motu public interest litigation, the Bench observed that the ecosystem enabling illegality must be dismantled.
Advocate General Devidas Pangam submitted that the Birch establishment was entirely illegal and liable for demolition. He informed the court that a demolition notice had been issued earlier, but the action was stayed by the appellate authority.
Pangam further stated that the official who granted the indefinite stay has since been suspended. He added the government does not support illegal business establishments and conveyed the State is determined to take stringent action against unauthorised structures across Goa.
He also placed suggestions before the court on strengthening measures against illegal constructions.
Amicus Curiae, Advocate Rohit Bras D'sa, submitted that building regulations must be strictly adhered to. It was pointed out that the Regional Plan classifies the land on which Birch stood as a salt pan.
However, the court was also informed that the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) had discharged the show-cause notice issued to the establishment about two weeks ago, stating that the site is not classified as a salt pan under the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP).
The High Court granted the Goa government time to submit a list of persons or authorities who may be impleaded as respondents and adjourned the matter to January 13.
Court to hear Redkar, Bagkar pre-arrest bail pleas on Jan 13
The High Court on Monday directed that the anticipatory bail applications filed by the disqualified sarpanch of the Arpora–Nagoa panchayat, Roshan Redkar, and the dismissed secretary, Raghuvir Bhagkar, be listed for hearing on January 13. The two approached the High Court after a lower court rejected their pleas for anticipatory bail in connection with the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub fire tragedy.
