The long-running dispute over the proposed relocation of three district courts from Mapusa to Merces has intensified, with lawyers, public representatives and government officials locked in a series of meetings aimed at preventing the move. Following sustained resistance from the legal fraternity, the government has reportedly agreed to allow the courts to continue functioning in Mapusa for at least another year while a long-term solution is explored.
Around 15-20 years ago, three courts — two district courts and one fast-track court — were shifted from Panjim to Mapusa to improve access to justice for residents across North Goa. Since then, the courts have served litigants from Pernem, Sattari, Bicholim, Bardez and parts of Tiswadi, easing travel burdens and reducing case pendency.
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The issue was reignited earlier this month after the government sent a letter to the building authorities stating that the lease of the premises housing the courts would not be renewed beyond January 1, 2026. The current rent for the premises stands at Rs 4 lakh per month.
During the Monsoon Assembly Session 2024, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, replying to a question raised by Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza on traffic congestion and inadequate parking in Mapusa, suggested that the courts might be shifted back to Panaji (Merces) to ease pressure on the town’s strained infrastructure.
The remark sparked sharp opposition from the legal community.
“Shifting courts merely to solve a parking issue is unreasonable. It will bring tremendous hardship to litigants travelling from Sankhali, Pernem, Sattari and Bicholim,” said advocate Shashank Narvekar, a member of the delegation opposing the decision.
The Mapusa Advocates Forum (MAF), led by its president Adv Paresh Rao along with Adv Raju Poulekar and Adv Yatin Padloskar, formally registered its objection to the proposed relocation.
Facing mounting pressure, Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza sought the Chief Minister’s intervention after a crucial meeting attended by Calangute MLA Michael Lobo, Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo and Advocate General Devidas Pangam.
