The Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) has issued notices to the North Goa Collector and the Commissioner of the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) after taking cognisance of a complaint alleging that the temporary rain shelter of a protester at Azad Maidan was dismantled, exposing him to severe monsoon conditions.
The complaint was filed by Rati Rama Kankonkar, wife of social activist and Scheduled Tribe (ST) community leader Rama Kankonkar, who has been on an indefinite peaceful protest at Azad Maidan since August 1. In her representation to the Commission, she sought urgent intervention, alleging that her husband’s life and health were at risk after authorities removed the temporary shelter erected to protect him from heavy rains.
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Acting on the complaint dated August 3, the Commission has directed the North Goa Collector and the CCP Commissioner to submit their replies. The matter has been posted for hearing on August 24 at 10.30 a.m. before the Commission.
According to the complaint, Rama Kankonkar had applied for permission from the CCP and other concerned authorities before commencing his protest. However, no response was received. Despite this, he continued the demonstration, exercising what the complaint describes as his constitutional right to peaceful protest.
The representation further alleges that amid the ongoing monsoon, Kankonkar attempted to erect a temporary rain-protection shed, which was subsequently dismantled by the Deputy Collector and police personnel. As a result, he has allegedly been forced to continue his protest in the open, fully exposed to heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions.
The complaint contends that the action endangers his health and violates his fundamental rights under Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution, including the right to peaceful protest and the right to life and personal liberty. It also claims that Azad Maidan has historically served as Goa’s designated venue for public protests and alleges that denying basic shelter to an ST leader raises concerns of discrimination.
In her petition, Rati Kankonkar requested the Human Rights Commission to direct the authorities not to obstruct the erection of a temporary rain shelter, ensure protection of her husband’s constitutional rights, and pass any other appropriate orders in the interest of justice and human rights.
