Mapusa: The All India Lawyers Union (AILU), Goa, on Tuesday raised concerns over the infrastructure and functioning of revenue courts, quasi-judicial authorities and several government offices, stating that lawyers, litigants and the public continue to face hardship due to inadequate facilities and administrative lapses.
AILU Goa General Secretary adv Jatin Naik and spokesperson adv Shashank Narvekar highlighted shortcomings in revenue courts, the Directorate of Panchayats, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), Planning and Development Authority (PDA), sub-registrar offices and other government authorities.
“Revenue courts lack adequate parking space, proper courtroom facilities and record rooms,” said Narvekar.
He also alleged frequent absence of officers without prior intimation, poor internet connectivity, insufficient storage for records and the absence of a digital file-tracking system, resulting in delays in the disposal of cases. He said similar issues persist in the Directorate of Panchayats, GTDC, PDA and other quasi-judicial authorities. He further alleged that lawyers and litigants are often inconvenienced by the absence of officials and, in some cases, by the high-handed behaviour of government officers.
“State of affairs at revenue court is bad as the disposal rate is low despite Goa being a small state. In Mapusa we have seven courts, but only two judges. Similar situations are witnessed in Bicholim, Panaji and other places,” Narvekar said.
Replying to a media query, Narvekar said lawyers have already submitted representations to the government and, despite assurances, nothing has been done.
The union also expressed concern over the functioning of sub-registrar offices, stating that the online registration process remains time-consuming, while arbitrary property valuation and unilateral decision-making have created difficulties for the public.
They alleged that the government’s promise of good governance, speedy disposal of cases and simplified procedures has remained unfulfilled.
It added that the growing frustration has led to several confrontations between lawyers, litigants and government officials, including a recent incident at the Deputy Collector’s office in Mapusa.
