Panaji: State govt on Monday introduced the Goa Special Courts (Land Grabbing) Bill, 2026, in the assembly to designate one or more courts of session as special courts for the exclusive and expeditious trial of land-grabbing cases.The Bill states that land grabbing and unlawful occupation of land have emerged as a serious concern in Goa, with such activities often involving the taking of possession through deceit, fraud or force and the creation of unauthorised interests or transactions.It refers to the commission of inquiry constituted by state govt on Sep 9, 2022, under the chairmanship of Justice V K Jadhav (Retd) to inquire into land grabbing cases in Goa.“Recognising the seriousness of the issue, govt of Goa, by notification dated Sep 9, 2022, constituted a commission of inquiry under the chairmanship of Justice V K Jadhav (Retd) to inquire into cases of land grabbing in the state of Goa,” the Bill states.The commission’s report observed that land grabbing activities not only affect the rights of lawful landowners and persons in possession but also lead to prolonged litigation and difficulties in effectively enforcing criminal law.The report recommended establishing special courts to ensure the speedy trial and disposal of such cases. The Bill, therefore, seeks to provide a specialised mechanism for the expeditious trial of offences related to land grabbing.It empowers govt, with the concurrence of the high court, to designate one or more courts of session as special courts for the exclusive trial of land grabbing cases.The Bill also provides measures to address difficulties that may arise in implementing the proposed legislation and to validate actions taken before its commencement, provided they are consistent with the provisions of the proposed Act.
