TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: South Goa advocates have resolved to ask government to take immediate steps to set up an independent High Court for Goa, thereby fulfilling the right of each State to have an independent High Court under Article 214. This decision was arrived at a seminar on the topic held under the leadership of Adv Rajiv Gomes, where most of the speakers favoured the demand.
The seminar was attended by Justice (retired) Suresh Hospet, Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik, Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardessai, Former MP Amrut Kansar and a number of advocates.
Justice Hospet after listening to the strong views opined that Goa deserves an independent High Court for quicker disposal of cases and to provide people with justice on time. He also said that looking at the pendency of cases in the Courts of India by year 2040 the Courts in India would require 50,000 judges to man the courts.
MP Shantaram Naik assured all help to the cause of an independent High Court and also committed Rs 10 lakh from his MPLAD funds to buy law books.
Adv Radharao Gracias, pointing at the Congress MP on the dais, said “Congress party has done literally nothing to get Goa an independent High Court though it was in power since 1981. Radharao said that North Goa lawyers still have the MGP merger mentality and that is why the consensus is lacking amongst the Advocates Associations.
Adv Aires Rodrigues warned the lawyers’ fraternity that the common man has begun to lose faith in the courts and judiciary and the temple of justice is being mocked by the people and politicians.
Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai while striking political strings said that the fact that there is no representative of the Goa Government or the ruling party proves that no one is interested in an independent High Court for Goa. Vijai assured the gathering that if the Advocates Association drafts a bill of their demands, he would place in the upcoming assembly session as a private member’s bill.
Adv Anacleto Viegas said that the legislature and the executive have failed them and henceforth lawyers would assemble and voice their demands until they are met.
Seven veteran lawyers Cantalese Colaco, Nagesh Verlekar, Bernard Souza, Premanand Navelkar, Gilman Joana Fernandes and Lazarus Viegas were felicitated at the seminar for their exemplary and illustrious contribution to the field of law.
