The High Court has slammed the Chief Officer of the Mormugao Municipal Council for failing to comply with its earlier order directing the demolition of an illegal structure popularly known as “Murgao Cha Raja” by September 30, 2026. The High Court expressed serious displeasure over the non-compliance and cautioned that formal contempt proceedings would be initiated if the structure is not demolished before the next hearing on Wednesday.

By an order dated September 4, the High Court had directed the Chief Officer of the Mormugao Municipal Council to demolish a shed popularly known as “Murgao Cha Raja”, which was admittedly erected illegally on land belonging to the Mormugao Port Authority at Sada, on or before September 30. However, the Chief Officer failed to comply with the court’s order, and the shed has still not been demolished.

Counsel appearing for the Mormugao Municipal Council submitted that the demolition could not be carried out because the machinery required from the Public Works Department (PWD) had allegedly broken down on September 30. The Chief Officer requested the High Court to direct the PWD to provide the necessary machinery and manpower to assist with the demolition.

The High Court rejected further administrative excuses, stating that “enough is enough” and directing the Chief Officer to take all available administrative measures to ensure immediate compliance with the order.
The High Court observed:
"If you have a desire, you demolish people’s structures in 48 hours,"
"This is obviously... you seem to have someone's backing. You can hire a JCB or whatever you want.
We made it very clear that the structure had to be demolished by the 30th of September."

The High Court has scheduled the matter for compliance on Wednesday, directing the Chief Officer of the Mormugao Municipal Council to ensure that the demolition is carried out without further delay, failing which formal contempt proceedings will be initiated.