Panaji: Goa Town and Country Planning Minister Vishwajit Rane on Friday hinted that the government may consider approaching the Supreme Court against the High Court’s decision regarding a section in the Town and Country Planning Act.
The Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court recently read down Section 17(2) of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1974, in response to the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by NGOs.
Rane told reporters that there is a six-week stay on the order.
“We have six weeks to approach the Supreme Court. Ultimately, it is a legal matter,” the minister said.
Rane added, “The matter is sub judice, so I should not speak much on it. When it is still sub judice, the government is within its right to approach the other court (Supreme Court), which we have mentioned.”
“I feel it still requires careful consideration because it involves public sentiment. We try to help people. Let the legal experts decide,” he said.
When asked whether the government will approach the Supreme Court against the High Court order, Rane said, “I have no problem personally. The department and lawyers from the High Court and Supreme Court will make the decision.”
“Whatever decision we have taken, it will be defended,” he asserted.
When asked about the protest by NGOs against him on Thursday in Panaji, the minister said that he was being targeted because he is a strong leader.
