Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Feb 18: The High Court of Bombay at Goa has directed all village panchayats and municipal councils in the state to file affidavits within one week detailing the action taken against illegal structures, particularly those encroaching upon or obstructing public roads, in compliance with its earlier orders in a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL).

A Division Bench comprising Justice Suman Shyam and Justice Amit Jamsandekar observed that while several panchayats and municipal bodies had submitted compliance affidavits, many had failed to do so within the stipulated time.

“…The VPs and municipal councils have filed the affidavits on the compliance. Many VPs and municipal councils are yet to do so. The time permitted by the court for filing the reply/affidavit has expired. We direct the remaining shall file within a week from today by furnishing a copy of the same to Amicus Curiae and respective nodal officers,” the Bench stated.

The court also directed the two designated nodal officers to scrutinise the affidavits received from the local bodies and submit their reports within four weeks.

“On receipt of this, the two nodal officers shall examine this and file a report within four weeks as per the direction,” the Bench ordered.

The directions were issued on Tuesday while monitoring compliance in the ongoing suo motu PIL concerning unauthorised constructions and encroachments affecting public roads and public safety.

The matter has been posted for further hearing on April 6, when the court will review the compliance status and consider further directions, if necessary.