Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Oct 27: The High Court of Bombay at Goa has directed the Department of Panchayats (DoP) and the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA) to initiate disciplinary action against officials who have repeatedly failed to comply with its orders on stray dog management.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Valmiki Menezes and Justice Amit Jamsandekar on Monday noted “clear remissness” by local bodies, including the Commissioner of the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP), in complying with its directions and failing to file affidavits despite repeated opportunities. The Bench observed that the failure to submit replies had obstructed court proceedings.
“There is clear remiss on the part of the CCP Commissioner, Secretaries of Panchayats to comply with directions passed by this Court and in pursuance of the Supreme Court,” the Bench observed while hearing a suo motu writ petition concerning stray dogs.
The court directed all municipal chief officers and the CCP Commissioner to inform the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services whether they had complied with its orders. Officials who have established temporary dog shelters were also asked to submit details, including survey numbers, locations, area and animal capacity.
The court had initially directed village panchayats, municipal councils and the CCP to establish temporary shelters by October 3. The deadline was subsequently extended to Monday, October 26.
The Bench expressed displeasure over delays in filing compliance affidavits and submitting records of public notices. Several municipal councils, including Sanguem, Curchorem-Cacora, Cuncolim and Margao, submitted their replies during the hearing or assured the court that they would file them by the end of the day.
Questioning the officials’ “casual” approach, the Bench also considered recommending adverse entries in their service records. It clarified that departmental action would not prevent the court from initiating separate contempt proceedings.
A meeting involving all stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations and the departments concerned, will proceed as scheduled. The authorities have been asked to submit a report on the discussions and decisions to the court the following day.
The matter will be heard next on November 4.