‘Very serious and shocking:’ HC slams Goa govt for sealing Lyceum buildings in old court complex

The new HC complex at Porvarim was inaugurated in March, 2021 and subsequently Bombay HC bench at Goa functioning from Lyceum complex was shifted to new complex.

The bench took up the matter after HC registry was informed about the sealing of Lyceum buildings.

A bench of Acting Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Aarti Sathe was hearing a pending PIL by lawyer Vishwesh A Kamat and another, argued through advocate Joao Abreu Lobo, seeking conservation of old HC complex and same be used as arbitration and mediation centre. The petitioners had said that the premises was earlier used by Bar Council for training mediators.

AG Pangam referred to August 21, 2025 communication made by the government to HC making request to hand over Lyceum buildings to the state. He also submitted that the state government was ready and willing to provide all necessary facilities and assistance for creation of the Mediation Centre at Goa. Pangam said suitable piece of land shall be identified for the same and necessary expenses will be borne by the government.

The bench then queried under what authorities state officials, particularly in absence of any communication from the HC of handing over possession of said buildings to government, had visited them and put a lock.

Pangam raised concern as to the poor condition of ‘Junta house’ at Altinho area in Panjim where presently nearly 20 government offices were situated. He said the dilapidated condition of the said building may pose a serious threat to the persons residing in the neighbourhood, therefore, the urgent need to shift those offices.

He also said that Goa government including its Chief Minister had communicated to HC in the past raising its grievances and was awaiting positive response. He added the government did not want to take over main building in old complex where mediation has started but other buildings were vacant.

In response, advocate Rahul Nerlekar appearing for HC referred to August 29 letter of HC administration to state law department informing that matter regarding possession/handing over the Lyceum buildings was sub-judice.

“In spite of that you (state) have done this (locked the buildings). The government does not want to take over the main building where mediation has started. You are ready to give everything does not mean you cannot put a lock. This cannot be done. We will not tolerate this. You went to HC and put a lock. Ask them to unlock the building,” ACJ Chandrashekhar orally remarked.

The HC noted in the order, “Leaving these concerns aside for the moment, we take on record the statement made by the learned Advocate General that the lock put on the Lyceum buildings by the officials of the government of Goa be removed by today evening, with a communication in this regard to the High Court of Bombay at Goa.”

The bench said that the matter can be disposed of and deliberations can take place on the administrative side.

After the government lawyer agreed to get the matter adjourned by two weeks, the bench orally remarked, “You have no urgency in contesting the matter but immediately you will go and put up a lock. This is really very shocking.” The HC will hear the PIL next on September 17.