AUGUSTO RODRIGUES
PORVORIM: The Bombay High Court in Goa dismissed with disdain the move of the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) to seek even more time to explain why four of the five units (clubs and restaurants) selected to install live sound monitoring systems had not yet done so
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The matter in the contempt petition on sound pollution was heard after twenty-five days. As the counsel for GSPCB, Manish Salkar sought more time to prepare reports, Justice M S Karnik declined saying, “It has been a long time since the matter was last heard. Get your reports ready for the next hearing.”
They have less than 48 hours to do as the next hearing is scheduled for November 21, Thursday.
As the hearing began, GSPCB counsel was asked for time to explain that four of the five units (clubs and restaurants) selected to install live sound monitoring systems had not yet done so and that a report of complaints received by police is being prepared.
“Present all the reports during the next hearing. Enough time has been given and we need to go ahead as this involves people’s rights,” exclaimed Justice Karnik as Salkar informed the court that the police had not received any complaints since the last hearing,” directed Justice Karnik.
“It will be nice if the Attorney General also let us know, the result of the methodology mentioned in the note presented and accepted by us,” Justice Karnik said.
It may be noted here, that the AG had presented a note on the result of the decision to share email IDs of the Anjuna Police Station and SP North, for people to file complaints. Mobile numbers of the Police Inspector of Anjuna and two PSIs for those wanting to do so by phone.
“Present a report on how the suggestions prepared in the presented note are effective,” Justice Karnik directed Advocate General Devidas Pangam, who agreed. “We had agreed to accept the idea based on your suggestion,” he added
“Four of the clubs have filed affidavits in regards to instructions issued to them about live sound monitoring systems and one has informed us that he has already set it up. Meanwhile, GSPCB has started its live monitoring system and no complaints of violations have been detected,” Salkar was heard telling the Justices.
“They are just trying to buy time by asking time to file reports. I have prepared a chart to present to the court where in all violations have been detailed. Let us see, how far they can go,” stated petitioner Desmond Alvares as he shuffled the documents prepared to be presented to the court.
“I thought I needed hearing aids when I heard the GSPCB advocate say that they were informed by the police that no complaints were received. I myself have filed more than three complaints to 112 and I have the proof,” countered Desmond D’Souza from Anjuna after the brief five-minute interlude in court.
“It is sad to know that Justice Valmiki Menezes is not part of the bench but as long as Justice Karnik is still there, there is not much to worry. We will keep fighting as long as we can see justice at the end of the tunnel,” stated Janie Crasto from Vagator.
The last hearing of contempt petition 14/22 was on September 25, 2024, with Justice Karnik at Justice Valmiki Menezes on the two-member bench. Justice Nivedita P Mehta has now replaced Justice Menezes, and the latter has been transferred to a single bench.
Have email IDs and numbers of cops been shared with the public to lodge complaints? HC asks Goa AG
The High Court wants to know if the AG’s assurance to the Court that the email IDs of the Anjuna police station and mobile numbers of the PI and 2 PSIs were given and the result.
“Present a report on how the suggestions prepared in the presented note are effective. We had agreed to accept the idea based on your suggestion,” Justice Karnik directed Advocate General Devidas Pangam
