PANJIM: In a major setback to the Panjim Municipal Market Tenants’ Association, the High Court of Bombay in Goa has directed the CCP to initiate recovery of arrears of rent and evict illegal occupants from shop of the new Panjim municipal market. CCP has been given six months to carry out the orders.
The order states, “The PIL filed by the petitioner prays for different relief, but however during the course of hearing, we find it appropriate to examine only two directions i.e. CCP should take action with regards to the recovery of the arrears of the rent/licence fees in respect of the premises belonging to the CCP, situated at the newly-constructed premises of CCP located at Panjim Municipal Market and to consider taking action against the occupants of the premises of such buildings who are illegally occupying the premises.”
Due to the lack of lease agreements and no revision in rental charges, CCP has been suffering consistent losses as the new market was built and stalls allotted in 2005, even as CCP continued to pay the utility bills. The arrears of electricity and water bills stand at Rs 1.5 crore.
Last month, CCP had issued around 300 notices to stall owners and tenants to sign the new agreement by submitting legal documents.
However, the tenants’ association opposed the agreement, claiming it to be misrepresented. CCP had also issued eviction notices to some of the shops last month.
