Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Aug 28: The demolition of the unauthorised shed of ‘Mormugao Cha Raja’ at Headland-Sada was deferred on Friday amid concerns over a possible law-and-order situation after some people reportedly threatened to self-immolate.

A large crowd comprising residents, devotees and local community members gathered at the site as authorities arrived to implement the High Court’s direction to demolish the structure. The court had earlier refused to stay the demolition, rejecting a plea seeking deferment of the action until after the Ganesh Chaturthi festivities.

The Mamlatdar said efforts were made to pacify the residents and prevent them from obstructing police and municipal personnel from carrying out their duties. However, the sentiments of the people at the site remained a concern, he said.

According to the Mamlatdar, the High Court had directed the Chief Officer (CO) of the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) to remain personally present during the demolition. However, as the CO was hospitalised, subordinate staff had been deputed to the site.

The Mamlatdar said the demolition was therefore adjourned to avoid any allegation that the court’s order was being implemented in the absence of the Chief Officer and to prevent the situation from escalating.

The dispute dates back to March 28, 2011, when the High Court directed the MMC Chief Officer to demolish the structure after holding that it had been illegally erected on Mormugao Port Authority property.

The High Court had set August 28 as the deadline for demolition and directed that the electricity supply to the structure be disconnected within three days. The court had also directed the Chief Officer to remain personally present before the Bench on September 1 over the failure to comply with its directions.