PANAJI
Expressing shock at the turn of events over the illegal structure at Old Goa, the Opposition Congress party said on Thursday said it is "deeply regretful" over the blow dealt to movement against the illegality by the Bombay High Court at Goa order quashing the demolition order issued by the ASI as well as the TCP Department on the grounds of not following the process of natural justice.
Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) General Secretary, Viriato Fernandes, who addressed a press conference said, his party will spare no effort in ensuring that the illegality is dealt with according to the law of the land.
He also accused the State government of putting up a "weak case" to favour the builder and owner of the structure.
"Only a hut existed in the property. Upon investigation, it has been revealed that a bungalow was fraudulently shown on the property when its location was shown in far off Pernem," he said.
Despite such glaring and open fraud carried out by the owners of the bungalow and the public pronouncement by the then TCP minister that the permissions were obtained fraudulently,
He said, it is extremely distressing that the government has intentionally collaborated with the lawbreakers by not following the process of law and helping the accused owners escape an inevitable and statutory demolition process.
The government has surreptitiously succeeded in ensuring such an order is passed, Fernandes said, adding that the ruling BJP is known for skirting the law with regard to its own members and cronies.
Fernandes also said, that it is not about demolishing an illegal bungalow alone but a challenge to the Goan community Goans in protecting our heritage.
