PANJIM: The High Court of Bombay at Goa has pulled up the Village Panchayat of Verla-Canca for turning a blind eye towards encroachment despite court directions to act against the encroachers.

The Division Bench of Justice M S Sonak and Justice M S Jawalkar have directed the Panchayat Secretary and Sarpanch to inspect the site where unauthorised structures are coming up, while Panchayat Department to depute an officer. The concerned respondents are directed to submit their respective reports to the Court.

NGO Goa Foundation has moved the High Court alleging new unauthorised constructions along a road stretch for which there is a proposal to construct a road or widening the footpaths. The Bench observed that if the allegation is correct, then this is not at all proper.

“The Panchayat has initiated action against the encroachments and it is this action which is questioned before various authorities. On one hand, we have been issuing directions for expeditious disposal of the proceedings before various authorities, on the other hand, the Panchayat, if the allegation made by the Petitioner is true, is taking no steps to ensure that further encroachment do not take place,” the Bench observed.

The Court had placed the matter for next hearing on June 17, which is when the inspection reports are to be submitted. The Secretary and Sarpanch have been asked to file affidavits in as to how such encroachments were permitted to come up since the issuance of notices to previous encroachers.

The Bench warned that if it finds dereliction of duty on the part of the Panchayat, it will consider making appropriate orders for taking action against the Panchayat and its members for failing to protect public spaces.

The Sarpanch and Secretary are directed to remain present at their advocate’s office on June 17, as the Court is holding online hearing of cases.