The Supreme Court on Friday deferred the hearing of Special Leave Petitions (SLPs) filed by the Goa Government and the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department challenging the March 13 High Court order regarding Section 17(2) of the Goa Town and Country Planning Act. The matter, which was scheduled for hearing today, has now been adjourned to July 21 after the state government sought more time owing to the absence of its senior counsel.
The SLPs were filed in response to the High Court’s ruling that had significant implications for the interpretation and application of Section 17(2) of the TCP Act, a provision central to planning permissions and land use regulations in the state. The High Court’s order has been a matter of concern for the state government and the TCP Department, prompting them to approach the Supreme Court for relief.
During today’s proceedings, the state’s legal team requested an adjournment, citing the unavailability of their senior advocate, which the Supreme Court bench accepted. The court has now fixed July 21 as the next date of hearing, allowing both parties additional time to prepare their arguments.
The outcome of this case is being closely watched by stakeholders in Goa’s real estate and planning sectors, as it could have far-reaching consequences for land use policies and development permissions. Until the Supreme Court delivers its verdict, the implementation of the High Court’s order remains in abeyance, maintaining the status quo on Section 17(2) of the TCP Act.