PANAJI
The Goa Legislative Assembly on Thursday passed a government-sponsored amendment to Section 32 of the Goa Land Revenue Code, reducing the time limit for deciding land-use conversion applications from 60 to 45 days. The legislation, piloted by Revenue Minister Atanasio (Babush) Monserrate, was approved by a majority vote of 27-6, despite strong objections from the Opposition over its retrospective application.
Opposition MLAs Vijai Sardesai (Goa Forward Party), Venzy Viegas (Aam Aadmi Party) and Viresh Borkar (Revolutionary Goans Party) raised concerns that the retrospective clause could be misused to regularise past violations. They questioned whether the move was intended to shield land-use irregularities at the controversial Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, where a devastating fire in December claimed 25 lives.
Sardesai and Viegas alleged that the amendment could serve as a “cover-up mechanism” for land-use violations linked to the tragedy site, arguing that retrospective operation of the law undermines accountability and sets a dangerous precedent.
Defending the amendment, Monserrate maintained that the change was aimed at streamlining procedures and reducing delays in processing applications. He insisted that the government had no hidden agenda and that the amendment was necessary to ensure efficiency in land administration.
The debate in the House grew heated, with Opposition members pressing for safeguards to prevent misuse. However, the government stood firm, securing passage of the bill on the strength of its brute majority in the House.
