In the ongoing session of the assembly, the Goa government plans to introduce a bill to protect itself against judicial scrutiny of land conversions under the ODPs (outline development plan). The bill which has been approved by the cabinet aims to nullify any court verdict that is against the approvals granted for zoning and conversions based on ODPs for Candolim and Arpora. As per the bill neither any court nor any authority can overturn the approvals, certificates and relaxations that have been granted by the TCP department. If the bill is passed it would allow for large scale constructions, conversions and zone changes that would upend the contours of our villages. The bill wiĺl give absolute powers to the TCP department, the approvals of which shall be final and binding on all other competent authorities. Moreover, no move of the TCP can be challenged in any court. This is another diabolical move by the executive to arrogate upon itself absolute, unquestionable powers and will set a precedent for other government departments to follow suit. Why don't we shut down the courts altogether if the government is to be the arbiter of all things.
