Panaji: The outcome of the Naksha survey will be subject to the Bombay high court’s verdict, while the Aug 14 deadline fixed by govt for residents of Margao and Cuncolim to submit property documents will stand extended, Justices Valmiki Menezes and Amit Jamsandekar said while hearing a PIL on the matter.The division bench is hearing a PIL challenging defective notices issued by the state in connection with the ongoing Naksha survey in Goa. The petitioners have challenged the notices issued in July, stating that they violate the Goa Naksha Rules, 2025. The rules require the directorate of settlement and land records (DSLR) to publish draft urban property cards before inviting the public to file objections before the inquiry officer.During an earlier hearing, govt counsel conceded that the notices were not in accordance with the state rules and sought time to obtain instructions. Govt counsel advocate Deep Shirodkar has now informed the court that govt issued a fresh public notice on Aug 8 to clear the confusion caused by the earlier notices, and contended that the issue had therefore been resolved.However, the division bench observed that the July notices calling upon residents of Panaji, Margao and Cuncolim could not stand and would have to be set aside. The court also directed the petitioner’s advocate to file written submissions.The DSLR has issued a notice only for Panaji residents, with no clarification regarding Margao and Cuncolim. The inspector of survey and land records (ISLR) has asked residents of the state capital and adjoining semi-urban areas to appear before the department between Aug 10 and 31 to submit documents required for the preparation of draft urban property (UrPro) cards, if they have not already done so.
