Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Jul 12: The Goa government has enforced the Goa Escheats, Forfeiture and Bona Vacantia Act, 2024 from July 10, empowering authorities to take over land and properties left behind without legal heirs. A gazette notification outlines the process to identify and assume control of such assets.

Deputy Collectors of each taluka will act as the Competent Authority, while Additional Collector-I in each district will serve as the Appellate Authority. Talathis and mamlatdars will be the first point of contact, responsible for flagging properties left intestate. Upon receiving such reports, the Deputy Collector will initiate formal proceedings and record them in a register before directing the mamlatdar to investigate the matter and file a report within seven days.

If confirmed that the deceased left no heirs, the Competent Authority will take possession of the property and notify various departments to halt any changes or development permissions without approval. The law mandates public notices, field inspections, and witness accounts to ensure due process.

A property taken under this law will remain with the State, but the rules also allow leasing of such properties and sale by public auction after ten years. All income and expenses relating to these properties must be properly recorded and audited.

The law introduces a structured approach to managing properties left abandoned, preventing misuse, and ensuring they are maintained or repurposed for public interest.