PANJIM: The High Court of Bombay at Goa has granted permission to a nightclub-cum-bar and restaurant Waters Beach Lounge & Grill Pvt Ltd to demolish its property falling in the No Development Zone (NDZ) within four weeks.
The nightclub management had approached the High Court for partial modification of its earlier order wherein the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) was directed to demolish the illegal structure within four weeks.
The applicant submitted to the Bench that they do not wish to pursue any challenge to the proceeding and to dismantle the existing structure. “The aforementioned operative part of the judgment gives a direction to the GCZMA to carry out demolition of the unauthorized structures situated in the subject property. The direction further contemplates recovery of the cost of demolition from the Applicant. Applicant states that such a direction has the effect of causing grave and irreparable loss to the property in as much as there are some goods and items which the applicants can salvage,” the petition stated.
The applicant submitted that it will carry out demolition of the unauthorized structures situated in the property, and that the entire exercise shall be carried out methodically under the guidance of the experts in the field. The applicant also assured it shall report compliance of the dismantling before this court.
The Bench stated that the judgment and order dated July 28, 2021 is not modified for the present; but liberty is granted to the applicant to carry out the demolitions within four weeks from the date of the present order dated August 12 under the supervision of the officials of the GCZMA.
“It is made very clear that there should be no further delay in the demolitions by citing reasons like no proper coordination between the applicant and GCZMA officials. Necessary intimation should also be given to respondents’ no.3 to 6 so that even they can, if they choose to, remain present at the time of the demolitions. Additional Government Advocate to inform the officials of GCZMA to remain present at the site to oversee the demolitions. It is further made clear that if within four weeks the applicant and respondent no.7 fails to carry out demolitions, then, the GCZMA will have to carry out the demolitions within a maximum period of two weeks thereafter,” the order reads as.
The High Court has sought compliance report from the applicant by September 13, 2021 with the matter to come up for consideration on September 16, 2021.
