MARGAO
Lawyers under the banner of the South Goa Advocates Association (SGAA) were virtually on a warpath on Tuesday as they staged a protest at the Matanhy Saldanha Administrative Complex in the South Goa Collectorate, demanding expeditious disposal of mutation and partition cases, greater transparency and an end to alleged corruption in the system.
The agitated lawyers alleged that cases handled through agents operating around government offices were being given preferential treatment over applications filed by members of the public and advocates. They also questioned how official files relating to mutation and partition proceedings went missing from the records and called for greater transparency and accountability in their handling.
The association urged the district administration to investigate complaints and information regarding alleged payment of illegal gratification through agents, preferential treatment in mutation proceedings and the processing of applications out of sequence. It called for appropriate action if the allegations were substantiated.
Led by SGAA president Antonio Clovis Da Costa, the delegation met South Goa Collector Egna Cleetus, IAS, and submitted a detailed memorandum seeking a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the disposal of mutation cases before the taluka Mamlatdars and the Inspector of Settlement and Land Records (ISLR).
During the meeting, the lawyers called for strict implementation of the SOP issued by the Collector on December 24, 2024, for processing and disposing of mutation applications. They stressed the need for clearly defined timelines and effective supervisory monitoring to ensure timely disposal of cases.
The association also demanded that mutation applications be processed in chronological order as a general rule, with any deviation from the prescribed sequence supported by recorded reasons.
Briefing the media, Da Costa said the lawyers had urged the Collector to examine repeated instances of files being reported missing or unavailable, fix responsibility for their custody and movement, and introduce an effective tracking and accountability mechanism.
“We have also called for an examination of the legality and propriety of the recall by Joint Mamlatdar-I of files already certified by the previous Mamlatdar, to determine the reasons for reopening the proceedings and take appropriate corrective or disciplinary action wherever warranted,” he said.
Da Costa said the association had given the district Collector and the ISLR until Monday to come up with a detailed SOP for the disposal of mutation and partition cases.
The lawyers also demanded the transfer of staff currently attached to the mutation cell, in accordance with applicable rules and administrative requirements, and the posting of suitable personnel in their place.
Further, they sought an inquiry into the complaint filed by advocate Vivek Vaz against the then Joint Mamlatdar-IV. The association said the inquiry had been assured during a meeting with the Additional Collector and demanded that the authorities communicate the action taken on the complaint.
Inquiry into allegations of corruption and maladministration
The SGAA has said the recurring complaints regarding preferential treatment, non- sequential processing, missing files, prolonged pendency and the alleged role of agents have created a serious apprehension among members of the Bar and-the -public that corruption or other improper considerations may be contributing to the present state of affairs. The Association demanded that the allegation of corruption against the erring Mamlatdars be investigated impartially and comprehensively. The inquiry should include an examination of the mutation registers, online application records, inward registers, tile movement registers, dates or filing and disposal, reasons for delay
