Says issues cannot be dismissed on grounds matter is sub-judice
Former chief justice of the Allahabad High Court Ferdino Rebello while addressing a public meeting in Mapusa.
MAPUSA
Former chief justice of the Allahabad High Court Ferdino Rebello on Wednesday cautioned the State government to be mindful of concerns raised by the people or else, the elected representatives will be shown their place.
“Those in power should not mock the people's struggle, because even great empires have fallen in the past,” said Justice Rebello.
He was addressing a largely attended meeting, which included environmentalists, social activists and people from different walks of life, at the Comunidade Hall in Mapusa, where he put forth a 10-point manifesto before the government.
“People elect their representatives for public good. Currently, the people of Chimbel are protesting against the proposed 'Unity Mall' project. They are not doing this to fill their own pockets, but are fighting for their village and their rights,” said Justice Rebello.
“The government should do its homework first and then bring in projects. Since the government is not doing its homework, people are forced to protest. No one opposes for the sake of opposition. The government should listen to the people and find another location for the project.”
Justice Rebello reiterated that his campaign is not political, but a movement to save Goa.
Speaking further, Justice Rebello said, “When elected representatives demand a discussion on a particular issue in the Legislative Assembly, it should not be ignored. This is a democracy. The issue cannot be dismissed every time by saying that the matter is sub-judice. I am aware of what it means for a matter to be sub-judice. You shouldn't discuss the merits of the court case, but the issue itself can certainly be discussed.”
Social activist Mayur Shetgaonkar claimed that the government has been promoting casinos and warned that if casinos are set up in villages, the local village social fabric would be destroyed.
“Casinos will encourage negative tendencies. When mega-projects or projects like casinos come up, people have to rush to court and fight. If people have to do everything themselves, then what is this government for and for whom,” asked Shetgaonkar.
Others speakers demanded comprehensive amendments to the Land Revenue Code.
On the occasion, a minute’s silence was observed to condole the demise of veteran environmentalist Madhav Gadgil who passed away recently in Pune.
