In a significant relief for both the public and the legal fraternity, the Goa government has decided to withdraw its earlier order to shift the North Goa district courts from Mapusa to Merces. The reversal follows firm resistance from the Mapusa Advocates’ Forum, which argued that relocating the courts would greatly inconvenience litigants and disrupt legal access for thousands.
A delegation from the Forum, led by its president Adv. Paresh Rao, held discussions with Calangute MLA and GSIDC Chairman Michael Lobo, Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo, and Mapusa MLA and Deputy Speaker Joshua D’Souza. During the meeting, the delegation reiterated that the proposed shift would impose severe logistical and financial burdens on people seeking justice.
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Following the talks, Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza informed the Forum that Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant had agreed to recall the relocation decision. The announcement brings an end to weeks of uncertainty and ensures that the district courts will continue to operate from their current location in Mapusa.
