MARGAO
The Parish Priest of Holy Spirit Church, Margao, Fr Domingos Noronha, has approached the Court of the Inspector of Survey and Land Records (ISLR), Margao, seeking to exclude religious structures and areas held by the Fabrica from any blanket confirmation of Hospicio property in favour of the Directorate of Health Services (DHS).
In an intervention application, Noronha, who is also president of the Fabrica, has sought separate survey numbers for the main chapel housing the tomb of the late Fr Antonio João de Miranda, a small chapel on the north-eastern side, the convent of sisters on the south-eastern side and its adjoining areas, and the chapel and other religious structures near the TB Hospital. He has urged the court to hear his objections before confirming the entire property in the DHS’s name.
Noronha submitted that Hospicio was established as a pious initiative of Fr Miranda before the then Goa government took over the hospital’s management. However, he disputed that the takeover meant the religious structures, movable properties, statues, religious vestments and adjoining areas were transferred absolutely to the government.
“The historical takeover of hospital management cannot, without examination of the relevant title and transfer documents, be treated as conclusive proof that every portion of the larger property, including the religious structures in the Church’s possession, belongs to the government,” he submitted.
The DHS has sought confirmation of the entire Chalta No 4 in its favour. Noronha has objected to any blanket confirmation covering portions claimed and maintained by the Fabrica for religious purposes.
He argued that including different structures under a common survey or property description did not automatically establish ownership by a single claimant. He urged the court to examine the relevant records, nature of possession, historical circumstances and objections of interested parties.
Noronha has also sought that the court take cognisance of a field inspection conducted on October 16, 2026, and place the inspection report and related records on file. He submitted that he had identified the chapels, Fr Miranda’s tomb, the convent and adjoining areas claimed by the Fabrica, including the chapel near the Sanatorium/TB Hospital.
Fabrica’s claim over religious structures
MARGAO: Fr Noronha specifically stated that the structures and their respective appurtenant areas within PT Sheet No. 190, Chalta No. 4, are in the open, continuous and uninterrupted possession of the Church and are claimed by the Fabrica as its property and/or property held for its religious purposes.
The main Chapel housing the Tomb of the late Fr Antonio João de Miranda, with its sacristy and independent access and its surrounding and appurtenant areas; the small Chapel situated on the north-eastern side of the complex, with its access and its surrounding and appurtenant areas; the Convent of Sisters situated on the south-eastern side of the complex, together with its surrounding and appurtenant areas; and the Chapel and other religious structures situated near the TB Hospital, together with the areas appurtenant thereto.
