PANJIM: The State government on Wednesday assured the High Court of Bombay at Goa that the Secretary (Panchayat) will hold an inquiry within next six months regarding illegal structure put up by the Reis Magos village panchayat and fix the responsibility.
The Court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) writ petition filed by Advino Fernandes and Rajesh Dabholkar, who had alleged that the panchayat building was built without obtaining requisite permissions from the Planning Departments.
Arguing on behalf of the petitioners, Adv H D Naik said that they had filed complaints but they were not being inquired into. He prayed that the State government be directed to hold a proper inquiry and initiate action against those responsible for committing illegalities.
Advocate General Devidas Pangam stated that the Secretary (Panchayat) will inquire into this matter and fix responsibility. In the meanwhile, necessary permission/ regularisation will be obtained from the TCP Department. After fixing responsibility, necessary action as permissible under the law will be initiated against those responsible.
AG Pangam further pointed out that the building was presently occupied by the health authorities, post office, talathi and electricity department. Also a market and public toilet was situated on the ground floor of the building.
Adv P A Kamat, arguing on behalf of the Reis Magos panchayat stated that the village panchayat is not occupying any part of this building and that only a cabin of the sarpanch was located in this building. But he said that the Sarpanch will not occupy this cabin and will shift to the old panchayat ghar, situated adjacent to the building. This statement is accepted and will have to be complied with.
Incidentally the new Reis Magos Panchayat Ghar was inaugurated by the CM in September this year.