PANAJI: The Goa Legislative Assembly was briefly adjourned on Monday after Congress, AAP and RGP MLAs led by Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao stormed the well of the House in protest against Speaker Ganesh Gaonkar’s decision to disallow a Question Hour query on No Development Zones (NDZs) under Section 39A of the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act and the Regional Plan 2021.
The opposition MLAs raised slogans of “Shame, shame” and “Divche na re, divche na, Goem vikpak divche na” while strongly objecting to the Speaker’s ruling. GFP MLA Vijai Sardessai did not join the protest.
The disruption occurred during Question Hour after Question No. 4B, titled “Declaration and Interpretation of No Development Area under Section 39-A and the Regional Plan”, was disallowed by the Speaker. With the opposition protest disrupting proceedings, Gaonkar adjourned the House for 10 minutes.
The question, submitted by six MLAs, sought details on the declaration and interpretation of NDZs under Section 39A, including taluka-wise details, survey numbers, development permissions and technical approvals issued during the last three years.
Alemao raised a Point of Order, questioning the Speaker’s decision to disallow the question.
Explaining his ruling, Gaonkar said the question attracted provisions under Rules 9B and 16B of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of the House. He said that while the intention of the MLAs in raising the query was honest, the information sought related to matters that were sub judice before the High Court.
“I have disallowed the question under various Rules of the Business of the House,” Gaonkar said.
The Speaker further told the opposition MLAs that they could move a breach of privilege motion if they wished to pursue the matter.
