Court threatens to attach Goa secretariat

In a rare move, a fast-track court at Panaji has issued orders for the attachment of the Goa secretariat if the state failed to pay compensation for acquiring 5,35,429.30 sq mt land.

The issue has been hanging fire for nearly 25 years when the state government acquired the land at Chodana Island from one Jose Velho at 50 paise per sq mt. However, the government failed to pay him. Velho moved the court in 1986 to claim compensation.

The court directed the government to pay compensation to Velho at the rate of Rs 5 per sq mt. But, the government did not respond to the court order. Both Jose Velho and his advocate refused to speak on the issue.

Now, the fast-track court has set October 13 deadline for the state to make the payment or else the state secretariat building would be attached, said the order.

The total value of the property stands at around Rs 21.41 lakh. Moreover, the court has directed the state government to pay 30 per cent of solatium charges and 12 per cent interest on the market value of the land. Total amount required to be paid now stands at Rs one crore.

The Goa secretariat building was built in 1500 AD by Adil Shah, the ruler of the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur, and in 1759, it became the Viceroy's official residence during the Portuguese regime.

The state filed a petition with the Panaji bench of the Bombay High Court, seeking a stay on the order of the fast-track court. But the Panaji bench dismissed the petition and upheld the decision of the fast-track court.

The state has now decided to approach the Supreme Court if the negotiations outside the court with Jose Velho fail.

"We intend to pay the amount to Velho and we are working on the issue in consultation with the state attorney general. If Velho does not agree to negotiate with the government, then we will approach the Supreme Court," said Agnelo Fernandes, parliamentary secretary, Goa.

The court order has created a piquant situation for the state as saving the secretariat has become an issue of prestige for it.