Without an Occupancy Certificate from the Secretary of Calangute Village Panchayat, the Goa State Pollution Control Board cannot issue Pollution Consent under the Air Act, 1981 and the Water Act, 1974. The petitioner, a former deputy sarpanch, admits that the dance bars have been operating since 2007 without this essential document. Furthermore, the Secretary of Calangute Village Panchayat issued trade licences for these illegal premises, starting in 2007. The continued operation of the dance bars without interruption from the authorities raises serious concerns. The High Court's direction demanding affidavits from all respondents is therefore entirely justified.
