Murmu takes cognisance of movement in Goa; ball is now in government’s court
The Constitution of India places President as the ceremonial head of state with limited, largely advisory powers, unlike the President of US and many other countries, who act independently with their executive powers. Although the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the Indian President acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers. Nevertheless, the President can take up issues of national importance while acting as a custodian of the Constitution, and exercising discretionary powers influence policy, warn the government and raise awareness through public discourse.
The Indian Presidents over the years have taken note of issues like political instability, legislative overreach, misuse of executive power and national security. Their key interventions included stalling controversial legislations, managing hung Parliaments, questioning the imposition of President’s rule and utilising mercy plea powers to check governmental decisions.
President Droupadi Murmu has from time to time expressed her concerns over several matters and maintained an active role in national affairs. She has actively addresses critical national issues by emphasising on women’s empowerment, tribal development, human rights and environmental protection, often highlighting these in her public addresses. She has also focused on inclusive development by supporting the marginalised population. Earlier this week, President Murmu took cognisance of the ‘Enough is Enough’ movement in Goa led by the retired Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court Ferdino Rebello, which is an important development.
The Presidential Secretariat forwarded a representation received from Justice (Retd) Rebello to the Ministry of Home Affairs, which in turn, was communicated with the Bharatiya Janata Party’s government headed by Pramod Sawant to address the movement’s ten-point Charter of Demands regarding unchecked construction in villages, prompting undersecretary (home) to direct the Chief Town Planner and the revenue department “to take necessary action” on the subject. The ‘Enough is Enough’ movement, which formalised its demands on January 6, 2026, raises strong objections to unregulated construction in the state, with activists warning that rampant development is altering Goa’s topography and demography, with excessive private housing projects straining essential resources like water and electricity. Beyond ecological concerns, the group has also cautioned that these trends threaten to displace local residents and erode Goa’s identity, cultural heritage and the Konkani language.
The primary demands of the movement include repeal of Sections 17(2) and 39A of the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act, which activists claim facilitate illegal land conversions and ‘pillage’ of hills and fields, relocating all casino vessels from the Mandovi River, reversing a 2023 circular that allowed hill-cutting and freezing construction permissions involving contour changes. Justice Rebello has himself drafted an Agricultural Land Protection Bill to safeguard Goa’s remaining land for future generations.
The ‘Enough is Enough’ movement which has garnered backing from prominent legal figures, including former Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, has already held large public meetings in places like Panaji, Margao and Canacona to unite various NGOs and community groups into a single front. Now, the notice taken by the highest quarters of administration in the national capital will definitely accord impetus as also recognition to the particular moment. The ball is now in the court of the state government!
