Panaji: Bombay high court on Monday gave panchayats one week to submit affidavits in the Birch by Romeo Lane case. It had taken suo motu cognisance of the fire tragedy that took place on Dec 6 last year, claiming the lives of 25 persons. It had issued notice to over 50 parties, including club owners, govt officials, and all coastal panchayats and municipal bodies, over illegalities by commercial establishments functioning without obtaining statutory provisions.When the case came up for hearing on Monday, govt told HC that none of the panchayats, owners, or govt officials who have been made parties filed affidavits as per HC’s directions. Subsequently, in the day, some panchayats filed their affidavits.The HC division bench directed the director of panchayats to ensure that the remaining panchayats submit their replies by March 30.HC is seeking details of construction licences, occupancy certificates, and trade licences that coastal panchayats have issued to commercial establishments to check whether any illegal commercial establishments are operating without permissions.
