The Times of India                29.08.2010

HC notice to Babush's son for encroachment

PANAJI: The high court of Bombay at Goa on Monday issued a notice to the education minister's son, Amit Monserrate, for allegedly encroaching on an open space at Miramar.

A division bench comprising Justice D G Karnik and Justice F M Reis passed the order on a public interest litigation filed by former chief town planner Dr S P Deshpande, who complained about the encroachment on plot valued at Rs 10 crore.

Deshpande alleged that the encroachment is in plot No. 5 and plot No. 6, admeasuring an area of 900 sq m, which were earmarked as open spaces as per the planning rules.

Encroachment has been carried out "by building an illegal compound wall which forms a part of Monserrate's bungalow", Deshpande has stated.

Deshpande appeared in person before the court on Monday and argued that even after several complaints to the authorities, no action has been taken.

While stating that a site inspection had been carried out by the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP), he pointed out that the inspection clearly confirmed that the structure was an encroachment.

The current market value of the encroached plot is about 10 crore, Deshpande stated and prayed that the authorities should be directed to take action against the encroacher.

The court, thereafter issued notices to Amit, the CCP and the North Goa Planning and Development Authority.

The court will hear the petition further on October 18.