High Court Quashes Section 17(2) of TCP Act: Land Conversions Declared Illegal

Panaji:

The High Court of Bombay at Goa has quashed and set aside Section 17(2) of the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act and its associated rules, declaring them illegal. The court’s decision has significant implications for land conversions carried out under this provision.

Section 17(2) of the TCP Act allowed plot-by-plot land conversions, which had been a matter of controversy for several years. Environmental activists and various political parties had raised concerns about its impact on Goa’s environment and heritage.

Following the verdict, demands have been raised for the restoration of all lands converted under Section 17(2) to their original status. There have also been calls to scrap all approvals granted under the now-invalid provision and to formulate a comprehensive and transparent Regional Plan to safeguard the state’s land and environment.

Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Amit Patkar has welcomed the verdict, stating that the decision addresses long-standing concerns over land conversion practices. Meanwhile, government officials are yet to issue an official response to the High Court’s ruling.

The verdict is expected to have a substantial impact on ongoing and future land development projects in the state.