South advocates allege corruption in mutation and partition cases

South Goa Advocates have expressed concern over what they alleged as corruption in the matter of mutation and partition cases in the revenue courts and resolved to identify all the corrupt officials and “dallals” attached to them if there is no action from the government.

Addressing the media, newly-elected president of South Goa Advocates Association, Adv A Clovis Da Costa, said the issue of what he alleged as open corruption in the matter of mutation and partition cases in revenue courts was debated and it has been resolved by the Executive Committee to submit a representation to the government and the South Goa Collector detailing the irregularities. 

“We have received complaints from lawyers pointing out to the malfunctioning of revenue courts at Margao and Canacona. The members have taken strong exception to the revenue courts unilaterally fixing the dates of hearings without considering the convenience of litigants and lawyers,” he said.   

On the question of staff shortage in the judicial courts, the newly elected president said the entire judicial process is being hampered due to shortage of court staff, thereby obstructing the quick disposal of cases. “It is understood that the manpower in the courts is less than two-third of what is required for the smooth functioning of the courts. The court staff is grossly overburdened and forced to work beyond the call of duty and under extremely stressful conditions,” Adv Clovis said.   

The Association has also discussed the problems that are most likely to occur in the matter of the new court complex being constructed adjacent to the district court. “The new court complex has a provision of only around 18 four-wheelers when the requirement is around 75. In such a scenario, there will not be any space left for the litigants and the lawyers to park their vehicles since the parking arrangement will be sufficient only to house the vehicles of the judges,” he said, while saying that the Association will raise the issue with the government authorities for necessary action.