NT Reporter
Panaji
In a relief to stall owners near the old municipal market building in Panaji, the High Court of Bombay at Goa allowed demolition of the structure after taking note of the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) assurance that all stalls would be refurbished and
restored.
The court further directed that possession would be handed back to the existing stall owners after refurbishment and restoration. However, the High Court stated that such handing over would not create any new right, interest or title in favour of the stall owners.
The demolition, which began in the presence of police, was initially halted after affected shop owners demanded a written assurance from CCP regarding their reinstallation once the work is completed.
Several shopkeepers near the demolition site then moved the High Court seeking a stay order. However, the High Court did not stay demolition of the building.
The CCP sealed several shops in the Panaji market building after it was deemed unsafe for occupancy and the building was cordoned off.
It may be noted that Section 272 of the City of Panaji Corporation Act empowers the CCP to serve notices and evict people from unsafe buildings.
