The Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court has converted the civil suit linked to the deadly Arpora nightclub fire into a PIL, stressing accountability after 25 deaths. The court also sought answers from the Goa government over illegal permissions and safety lapses.
The Supreme Court will on Tuesday hear Congress leader Girish Chodankar’s plea challenging the merger of eight Congress MLAs with the BJP in Goa, questioning the High Court’s approval of the Speaker’s dismissal of disqualification proceedings.
The court upheld the decision not to disqualify Congress MLAs who joined the BJP in 2022. On November 1 last year, Assembly Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar dismissed the disqualification plea against eight MLAs: Digambar Kamat, Aleixo Sequeira, Sankalp Amonkar, Michael Lobo, Delilah Lobo, Kedar Naik, Rudolf Fernandes, and Rajesh Faldesai. The plea sought action against them under anti-defection laws. However, the Speaker ruled in their favor, allowing them to retain their positions despite switching parties.
Today, On 14th November, The Supreme Court criticized Goa’s Chief Secretary for unilaterally altering service rules related to Bombay High Court employees. This remark arose during a case about former employees’ unpaid pensions. The Court demanded accountability, stating the Chief Secretary must justify his actions via video conference next week, emphasizing the need for adherence to proper procedures.
Today, On 2nd August, The Supreme Court questioned the frequency of PILs against infrastructure projects, emphasizing the need for balanced development and ecological preservation. This scrutiny reflects a commitment to upholding the rule of law and environmental standards while promoting sustainable progress. The court’s comments underscore the importance of harmonizing development and ecological balance.
