NEWS UPDATES

The RGP Disciplinary Committee has issued a notice to suspended party member Ajay Kholkar, directing him to appear before the panel on August 7 in connection with allegations that led to his suspension. The committee said it will conduct an independent inquiry and proceed ex parte if he fails to appear without sufficient cause. • CM Pramod Sawant returns from Delhi after meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah, says discussed various issues especially on tribal political reservation, claims meeting had a positive outcome • GPCC President Girish Chodankar said Congress will continue working to unite all like-minded parties to defeat the BJP in the interest of Goa. Reacting to GFP putting alliance talks on hold, he termed it an internal matter and declined to comment further • The Supreme Court of India has directed the Government of Goa to regularise the services of workers employed through the Public Works Department (PWD) Labour Supply Society, setting aside a July 2023 High Court order that had denied them relief. • The main Amboli Waterfall has been temporarily closed for tourists following heavy rainfall that caused water levels to rise dangerously. Authorities have restricted entry as a safety precaution. Despite the closure, large numbers of tourists continue to visit the spot and are viewing the waterfall from the roadside. • The High Court has issued notices to all the respondents, including the Goa government and the TCP Department, in a public interest litigation filed by NGO Goa Bachao Abhiyan seeking to quash the GCZMA's NOC granting approval for the entertainment hub, the subsequent licence issued by the CCP for repairs and extensions, and any related permissions or licences granted by the TCP Department for the property "Panjim Park," popularly known as Quarter Deck, located on the banks of the Mandovi River opposite Hotel Mandovi. The High Court will hear the matter on 11 August. • BJP Goa President Damu Naik says MLA Babush Monserrate did not consult the party before starting a BJP office in St Cruz, adding the party does not operate two offices in one constituency. BJP will call both Babush Monserrate and Rudolf Fernandes for talks, he said. • The High Court has concluded hearings and reserved judgment in a batch of petitions challenging the Goa government's ordinance on delimitation and reservation of municipal wards. • Goa Forward Party President Vijai Sardesai said he is tired of the uncertainty surrounding an opposition alliance, saying talks progress one day and stall the next. Stressing that defeating the BJP remains his priority, Sardesai also took a swipe at the Congress and announced that the GFP will soon intensify its agitation against the government. • Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Wednesday. Khaunte said the courtesy meeting focused on strengthening Goa's quality tourism initiatives and advancing his vision of positioning the state as India's IT and innovation hub. The RGP Disciplinary Committee has issued a notice to suspended party member Ajay Kholkar, directing him to appear before the panel on August 7 in connection with allegations that led to his suspension. The committee said it will conduct an independent inquiry and proceed ex parte if he fails to appear without sufficient cause. • CM Pramod Sawant returns from Delhi after meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah, says discussed various issues especially on tribal political reservation, claims meeting had a positive outcome • GPCC President Girish Chodankar said Congress will continue working to unite all like-minded parties to defeat the BJP in the interest of Goa. Reacting to GFP putting alliance talks on hold, he termed it an internal matter and declined to comment further • The Supreme Court of India has directed the Government of Goa to regularise the services of workers employed through the Public Works Department (PWD) Labour Supply Society, setting aside a July 2023 High Court order that had denied them relief. • The main Amboli Waterfall has been temporarily closed for tourists following heavy rainfall that caused water levels to rise dangerously. Authorities have restricted entry as a safety precaution. Despite the closure, large numbers of tourists continue to visit the spot and are viewing the waterfall from the roadside. • The High Court has issued notices to all the respondents, including the Goa government and the TCP Department, in a public interest litigation filed by NGO Goa Bachao Abhiyan seeking to quash the GCZMA's NOC granting approval for the entertainment hub, the subsequent licence issued by the CCP for repairs and extensions, and any related permissions or licences granted by the TCP Department for the property "Panjim Park," popularly known as Quarter Deck, located on the banks of the Mandovi River opposite Hotel Mandovi. The High Court will hear the matter on 11 August. • BJP Goa President Damu Naik says MLA Babush Monserrate did not consult the party before starting a BJP office in St Cruz, adding the party does not operate two offices in one constituency. BJP will call both Babush Monserrate and Rudolf Fernandes for talks, he said. • The High Court has concluded hearings and reserved judgment in a batch of petitions challenging the Goa government's ordinance on delimitation and reservation of municipal wards. • Goa Forward Party President Vijai Sardesai said he is tired of the uncertainty surrounding an opposition alliance, saying talks progress one day and stall the next. Stressing that defeating the BJP remains his priority, Sardesai also took a swipe at the Congress and announced that the GFP will soon intensify its agitation against the government. • Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Wednesday. Khaunte said the courtesy meeting focused on strengthening Goa's quality tourism initiatives and advancing his vision of positioning the state as India's IT and innovation hub.

LEGAL

High Court Registers Suo Motu Petition On Stray Dog Menace Following SC Directives

High Court has registered a suo motu writ petition concerning the growing stray dog menace across the state

05th Aug 2026 • 2 hours ago • 163 views

High Court Registers Suo Motu Petition On Stray Dog Menace Following SC Directives

Following an order of the Supreme Court, the High Court has registered a suo motu writ petition concerning the growing stray dog menace across the state. The Court, during the hearing on Wednesday, focused on monitoring statewide implementation of directions issued by the Supreme Court in the landmark matter addressing the stray dog problem.

To ensure comprehensive administrative compliance, the Court impleaded key government officials as additional respondents, including the Secretaries of Education, Health, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Transport, Sports & Youth Affairs, Panchayats, and Urban Development.

Noting a specific clause of the Supreme Court’s judgment, the High Court directed the newly added State Department Secretaries to file compliance affidavits by Friday, August 7. The Chief Secretary’s affidavit on behalf of the Government of Goa was taken on record during the hearing.

Observing that no representative appeared for the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) despite service of notice, the Court ordered a fresh notice returnable on the next hearing date. The Court also expressed concern over the absence of representation for the State Animal Welfare Board and directed fresh notice and filing of an affidavit.

To streamline communication among departments, municipal bodies, and state institutions involved, the Court directed the Amicus Curiae to prepare and circulate a comprehensive summary memo outlining all active judicial directives.

The High Court has scheduled the next hearing for August 12, when it will review compliance affidavits from the State Departments, local bodies, and the NHAI.

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SC directed the Govt of Goa to regularise the services of workers employed through the PWD Labour Supply Society

Attacks on Advocates; HC Asks State to Review Legislative Protection

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Taking cognizance of a communication from the Goa High Court Bar Association concerning an attempt to murder Advocate Ankur Kumar and