Recent judgments in Goa have raised concerns about the law and order situation in the state: A North Goa court discharged a driver accused of "culpable homicide not amounting to murder" in a fatal 2023 Vagator resort speeding SUV incident that killed an elderly person and the driver was under influence of substances. Similarly, the South Goa Additional Sessions Court II discharged four people arrested in an international drug syndicate bust involving 4.325 kg of suspected cocaine. These incidents highlight the need for the judiciary to work with law enforcement, free from VIP influence. Goa sees rising crime in the above categories and additionally violence by beach shack staff (two fatal cases in one year, with staff from high-crime states) and tourists (road accidents and murder). Most violence is provoked by out-of-state individuals and now it seems is influencing locals as well, as witnessed in the recent Navelim road rage incident and Sushant Naik case. The judiciary must ensure fair, timely verdicts without biases. Citizens should beware of politicians' divisive tactics. Law is equal for all and violations should be penalized fairly.
