Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Feb 8: In a significant step to curb land grabbing in Goa, a commission headed by retired justice V K Jadhav has recommended the enactment of a law to prohibit and penalise land grabbing in the state. The proposed legislation, tentatively called the Goa Land Grabbing (Prohibition) Act, will mirror similar laws enacted in other states to address this issue. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant tabled the commission’s report in the state assembly on Friday.

The report emphasizes that land grabbing, in any form, should be deemed unlawful, with various related activities – such as selling, allotting, or inciting land grabbing also considered offenses. Penalties will be imposed for any individual or entity involved in such activities. The law is designed to address not only individuals but also corporate entities, holding those in charge of companies accountable for land grabbing conducted by the company.

The commission recommends the creation of a special court, presided over by a judge appointed by the state government with the chief justice of the High Court’s concurrence. The court will have exclusive jurisdiction over cases involving land grabbing and related activities. It will be empowered to take cognizance of cases either suo moto or through applications from authorized officers, with the final decision being binding. This new framework aims to streamline the legal process and ensure swift justice for land grabbing cases.

The commission’s proposals, once implemented, could significantly reduce illegal land acquisitions in Goa and strengthen the legal response to this growing issue.