PANJIM: The High Court of Bombay at Goa has directed the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA) to hear and dispose appeals filed by 40 shops/kiosks owners from Mapusa municipal market praying to stay eviction notices, within next four weeks and to file a compliance report before the Court.
Hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) writ petition filed by Jawaharlal Shetye, the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) Chief Officer stated that 100 original shops lease holders were issued show cause notices for violating terms of agreement by subletting their shops/kiosks in the market, of which 46 lease holders have been issued notices for termination and handing over possession of the premises to the MMC.
The Council told the court that 40 out of 46 parties have appealed before the DMA, who has granted interim orders. However, the Division Bench comprising of Justice Mahesh S Sonak and Justice B P Deshpande has asked the DMA to hear these appeals and dispose them within next four weeks and if the dates are already given to the appellants, then advance the dates to dispose the appeals.
The council further stated that in remaining six cases, proceedings under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act would be initiated against them within next two weeks.
Also final termination notices could not be issued in 54 cases since the MMC Chief Officer had proceeded on leave. But the court told the officiating Chief Officer to hear the notices issued to 54 parties and complete the proceedings within next four weeks.
The court was further informed that 131 show cause notices have been issued and the same will be disposed of within next eight weeks. Also verification of details with regard to 372 stalls and shops is going on and the exercise will be completed within next eight weeks and that appropriate action will be initiated against them if any illegality etc is found.
The matter has now been posted on October 9 for further compliance.
