Supreme Court Puts Brakes on Bombay High Court: Goa’s Development Plans on Hold

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court paused a Bombay High Court ruling that had stopped the implementation of the December 2022 Outline Development Plans (ODPs) for several Goa villages, including Calangute-Candolim, Arpora, Nagoa, and Parra.

The Supreme Court’s vacation bench, comprising Justices Bela M. Trivedi and Pankaj Mithal, acted upon an appeal by Goa’s Town and Country Planning Department. This appeal challenged a Bombay High Court, Goa bench ruling that had suspended the Outline Development Plans (ODPs) pending a final decision on a related public interest litigation (PIL).

In its ruling, the Supreme Court stated that considering the circumstances, the implementation of the contested order is halted. However, it clarified that any constructions made during this period would be contingent upon the outcome of the ongoing PIL in the high court.

The Outline Development Plans (ODPs) are strategic blueprints devised to steer the development of specific regions, typically involving collaboration among local communities, landowners, and government bodies to ensure consensus. The contested ODPs, slated for Calangute-Candolim 2025 and Arpora-Nagoa-Parra 2030 planning areas, were temporarily suspended by the high court in May, following an initial stay in February. This initial stay aimed to uphold the guidelines of the Regional Plan-2021, curbing significant constructions and alterations in the designated villages.

Furthermore, the Bombay High Court highlighted the potential adverse effects on villagers from extensive constructions and zoning changes if the ODPs were allowed to progress unchecked.

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