Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Jul 28: The High Court has issued notices to the village panchayats of Merces, Santa Cruz and Bambolim in response to a petition filed by the Anjuman Ahle Sunnat Islahul Muslemeen Trust, seeking urgent judicial intervention over the shortage of burial grounds for the Muslim community in Merces, Santa Cruz, Curca and Bambolim.

In its petition, the Trust submitted that the lack of adequate burial facilities has created a growing crisis for Muslim residents of the affected villages and sought appropriate directions from the court to address the issue.

The petition also challenges a resolution passed by the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) on December 2, 2025, which prohibits the burial of persons residing outside the jurisdictions of Panaji and Taleigao in the city's burial grounds.

According to the Trust, the resolution has further aggravated the difficulties faced by Muslim families in neighbouring areas by restricting access to existing burial facilities.

Taking cognisance of the plea, the High Court issued notices to the village panchayats of Merces, Santa Cruz and Bambolim, seeking their responses.

The matter is expected to come up for further hearing after the concerned authorities file their replies before the court.