MARGAO: The South Goa Advocates Association will organise a debate on the subject “Does Registration of birth of Goans in Portugal invite loss of Indian Citizenship?”
The debate will be moderated by retired High Court judge Justice Nelson A Britto and the participants are well known Goan lawyers and public personalities namely Rajya Sabha Member Shantaram Naik, former Union minister Ramakant Khalap, former member of the Legislative Assembly Radharao Gracias, Adv Cleofato A Coutinho, Adv Aires Rodrigues and Adv Rajeev Gomes the President of the South Goa Advocates Association.
The advocates association has stated that the topic is of utmost importance to determine the fate of Goans who have registered their births in Portugal. Till date there is no conclusive opinion on the issue either officially by the Government of India or through a judicial pronouncement.
The problem is unique to the people of Goa because of the historical circumstances under which Goa came to be part of India. The issue was dormant until an election petition was filed in the High Court of Bombay at Goa challenging the results of the Benaulim Assembly constituency.
There are differing and conflicting views on the issue by persons with expertise on the subject.
The South Goa Advocates Association has decided to provide a forum for various views to be expressed so that something concrete may emerge from the debate.
The debate is open for public attendance at the Ravindra Bhavan on August 27 from 9.30 am onwards and queries from the public will also be entertained.
