PANAJI
A controversial online real estate advertisement for a 1,200 square metres of land which includes a 'Portuguese house' apparently located in South Goa has ignited a firestorm of criticism across social media platforms because it explicitly excludes Goans from purchasing the property.
The listing on the 'South Goa rentals" Facebook page reads: "1200 sqmt land with Portuguese house available for sale at Majorda belonging to a Delhi family. Genuine clients write. Strictly No Goans."
The listing quickly went viral for its discriminatory clause. This exclusionary language has drawn widespread condemnation from citizens, activists, and public figures alike.
Social media users were quick to denounce the ad as “blatantly discriminatory” and “deeply offensive”, with many calling for legal action and regulatory scrutiny.
Prominent Goan artist from Benaulim Victor Hugo Gomes, owner and curator of the famed Goa Chitra museum expressed concern over this growing trend of cultural erasure and exclusion through the booming real estate market.
"Let it be known: Goa is not a commodity. It's a culture, a living heritage. And Goans have every right to reclaim it," Gomes said in a post on Facebook while attaching a screenshot of the ad.
Legal experts have also weighed in, suggesting that the advertisement may be violative of the Constitution and real estate regulations dealing with the prohibition of ethnic discrimination.
“Such clauses are not just unethical, they may be illegal,” said a Panaji-based lawyer.
The incident has reignited debates over land ownership where rising property prices and increasing interest from non-local buyers have given rise to concerns of loss of heritage and identity.
Meanwhile, the real estate platform has removed the ad following the backlash and as of Wednesday evening, it was not accessible on the South Goa rentals FB page.
This episode adds to the broader conversation about preserving Goan heritage and ensuring equitable access to property in the State.
