Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Nov 15: The Bombay High Court has sought responses from the Goa government after a petition filed by Menino Fernandes of Calangute alleged selective and arbitrary action against his structure while numerous other illegal constructions continue to flourish along the Candolim–Calangute beach stretch, from Baga to Sinquerim.

Represented by advocate Rohit Bras de Sa, Fernandes told the court that he had witnessed the steady degradation of the coastline, driven by unchecked commercial activity and rampant encroachments. He said the petition was filed to expose what he described as double standards in the authorities’ enforcement of coastal regulations.

Fernandes alleged that a pattern of selective enforcement had emerged, where eviction drives target only those who refuse to pay illegal gratification, while others continue operating after allegedly paying “protection money” to certain officials. He further claimed that official notices were being misused as tools of extortion rather than instruments of lawful action.

Seeking equal application of the law, the petitioner has urged the High Court to order a joint inspection of the entire beach belt to identify all temporary and permanent illegal structures on government land. He has also sought disciplinary action against officials involved and the demolition of the alleged illegal constructions.

The High Court has asked the state authorities to file their responses, setting the stage for what could become a significant case on coastal regulation, enforcement, and accountability along one of Goa’s most commercially exploited beach belts.