HC raps panchyats for failing to submit compliance reports

Panaji: The Bombay high court on Monday slammed panchayats for failing to submit compliance reports on action taken against illegal constructions along roadsides, highways and major roads, and in both panchayat and municipal areas, in a suo motu petition on illegal structures across Goa.

A division bench of Justices Valmiki Menezes and Amit Jamsandekar directed the director of panchayats (DoP) to inquire into panchayat secretaries who failed to comply with its orders and initiate disciplinary proceedings as per service rules.

The HC ordered the process to be completed within four weeks and sought a compliance report. It observed that non-compliance amounts to at least prima facie dereliction of duty.

The order followed the court noting that some panchayats neither submitted compliance reports nor sought extensions. It directed DoP to take action against such secretaries in accordance with service conditions.

Earlier, the HC had asked all panchayats to submit action-taken reports on illegal structures within their jurisdiction. When the matter came up on Monday, the bench again pulled up secretaries for failing to comply. On Feb 17, the court had given panchayats and municipalities one week to file reports, observing, “Goa is a paradise. It should look like a paradise.”

The court also appointed nodal officers, the deputy director of municipal administration and an extension officer of the panchayat directorate to analyse all reports and ensure compliance.