120 civic bodies yet to comply; inquiry and action ordered
Panaji: In the illegal structures matter, the High Court of Bombay at Goa has criticised panchayats for failing to file compliance reports, with around 120 panchayats yet to submit them.
The High Court has directed an inquiry and appropriate disciplinary action under service rules against panchayat secretaries for dereliction of duty in failing to file compliance reports as directed earlier.
Expressing strong displeasure, the High Court said several panchayats had not filed the required reports despite clear directions issued on March 6, 2025.
The court directed the Directorate of Panchayats to investigate the reasons for the failure and initiate appropriate action against those responsible. The Directorate has been given four weeks to complete the inquiry. The matter has been adjourned for further hearing on May 4.
In the earlier, the court had noted that compliance reports that have been filed were voluminous, and appointed two nodal officers — the Deputy Director of Municipal Administration and the Extension Officer of the Directorate of Panchayats — to analyse reports from municipalities and panchayats to assess compliance with its orders in the suo motu petition concerning illegal structures across Goa.
Earlier, the High Court had directed panchayats and municipalities to file affidavits detailing action taken against illegal structures, particularly those obstructing roads, in compliance with its orders in a suo motu public interest litigation. It had also directed nodal officers to compile action-taken reports and submit consolidated reports.
The High Court stated that the suo motu proceedings were initiated after taking cognisance of the unchecked growth of illegal constructions in Goa, both in urban areas and areas governed by village panchayats. It said several orders have been passed from time to time, but there has been no effective implementation or compliance.
