Goa Assembly passes Bill to replace Portuguese-era civil code

Goa Legislative Assembly today passed a Bill replacing the Portuguese-era civil code on the subject of succession, inventory proceedings in property matters and notary laws.
The GoaSuccession,SpecialNotariesand Inventory ProceedingBill, 2012, passed unanimously by the House, will replacethe age-old Portuguese civil code and help in meeting the present day requirements in these matters.
Deputy Chief Minister Francis D'Souza, while tabling the Bill, said "considering the need to take into account the social changes and situations arising from the fact, Goa is now a state and Goans are citizens of India and considering laws in force were applicable to an altogether different set of political circumstances, it has become necessary to amend these to meet the present day requirements."

Deputy Speaker Vishnu Wagh said the Bill is first-of-its kind legislation passed by a state.
Goa was liberated from Portuguese rule in 1961.
The Billintends "to consolidate various provisions of law relating to succession, inventoryproceedings in property matters andnotariesinto one "comprehensive, rational and integrated legislation to facilitate their application and implementation by the Bench, the bar and litigants.