High Court Restricts Vasco Park Food Street to 5% Area Following PIL by Ex-Congress Leader
In a significant ruling, the High Court has directed that the food street developed at the Vasco Children’s Park be limited to just 5% of the park’s total area. The order, dated April 15, 2025, came in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by former Congress Minority Chairman Nazir Khan, who raised concerns about the commercialization of public park space.
Nazir Khan argued that the conversion of a substantial portion of the children's park into a food court violated its intended use and undermined the public interest. The court, after reviewing the matter, ordered the state government and local authorities to scale back the food street and restore the remaining area for public recreation.
Responding to the court's directive, Margao Municipal Council (MMC) Chairperson Girish Borker stated that while the food court initiative was intended to serve the public, he respects the High Court’s decision. He assured that any construction beyond the permitted 5% will be demolished in accordance with the ruling.
The verdict is being seen as a win for civic activism and the protection of public spaces.