The High Court has directed the Election Commission of India to decide by November 30, 2026, on the registration application for a newly proposed political entity named the "Goa Congress Party," while ensuring that objections raised by Congress leader Girish Chodankar are duly heard.
The first petition was moved by Girish Chodankar, seeking directions to the ECI to decide upon formal objections he filed on July 11, July 27, and August 2, 2026 oppossing the registration of the outfit under the name and style "Goa Congress Party," citing concerns over the name.
The second petition was filed by Francisco Antonio Jacinto Gouveia, a resident of Velsao, Cansaulim, who serves as the president and founder-member of the proposed Goa Congress Party. Gouveia had approached the High Court to expedite the registration process initiated under the Representation of the People Act. The High Court noted the statement of Election Commission of India that the Goa Chief Electoral Officer would complete the local physical verification by October 9, 2026, and transmit a formal verification report back to the ECI.
Accepting this undertaking, the High Court directed the CEO to adhere strictly to the October 9 deadline. The Bench laid down a precise timetable for the remaining procedure: * Report Processing: Within 15 days of receiving the Goa CEO’s report, ECI officials must place the complete case file—including Gouveia's application and Chodankar's objections—before the Commission. * Notice of Hearing:
The ECI must provide adequate notice of hearing via email to both the applicant (Gouveia) and the objectors (including Chodankar). * Final Disposal: After hearing both sides and evaluating the records, the ECI must formally dispose of the application under the Representation of the People Act, on or before November 30, 2026.
