the goan I network
MARGAO
Hearings of all quasi-judicial matters listed for hearing by the Margao Chief Officer were adjourned on Wednesday, leaving the litigants fuming and disappointed over the sudden adjournment of cases.
Inquiries by The Goan have revealed that Chief Officer and Presiding Officer Siddivinayak Naik has proceeded to Bangalore for a training programme, leaving the staff handling the quasi-judicial matters with no option but to adjourn the cases. In fact, the MMC staffer handling the matters put up a notice on the desk informing the litigants that all cases fixed for hearing on January 9 at 3.30 pm are adjourned for the next date of hearing scheduled on February 19 at 3.30 pm.
Inquiries conducted by The Goan further revealed that the Chief Officer is likely to resume duties only on Monday and all quasi-judicial cases listed for hearings on January 10 are to be adjourned to a next date.
A litigant told the media that given that the CO was well aware of the training programme in Bangalore, the municipality could have informed them about the adjournments on Tuesday itself or on Wednesday morning. “Hundreds of quasi-judicial cases are pending for disposal in the MMC. The cases are adjourned frequently due to the CO citing his preoccupation in Panaji or with urgent matters, including training.”
