Rahul Milind Kolwalkar And 12 ORS v. The State Of Goa Thr. Its Chief Secretary And 5 ORS

905 WP-183-2023.DOC Meena

IN THE HIGH COURT OF BOMBAY AT GOA

WRIT PETITION NO.183 OF 2023 RAHUL MILIND KOLWALKAR AND 12 ORS ... Petitioners VS THE STATE OF GOA THR.ITS CHIEF SECRETARY AND 5 ORS

...Respondents

Mr. D. Lawande with Mr. Jay Mathew, Advocates for the Petitioners.

Mr. Devidas Pangam, Advocate General with Mr. Deep Shirodkar, Additional Government Advocate for the Respondents- State.

CORAM: DHIRAJ SINGH THAKUR AND VALMIKI SA MENEZES,JJ.

DATED : 21 st MARCH, 2023 P.C.:

1.

The petitioner has challenged the notice dated 05/01/2023 issued by the Department of Transport whereby the applications have been invited from interested individuals from Pernem Taluka who are otherwise interested in joining the pre-paid blue airport Taxi service from the notified stand. The learned Counsel for the petitioner Mr. Lawande expressed his apprehension that the notice, in fact, aims at permitting those applicants who otherwise are not possessed of a valid contract carriage permit which is otherwise a prerequisite in terms of st March, 2023

905 WP-183-2023.DOC Rule 72 of the Goa Motor Vehicle Rules of 1991. 2.

In our opinion, the apprehension expressed by the learned Counsel for the petitioners appears to be totally without any basis as the notice does not express any such intention on the part of the concerned authorities. The learned Advocate General, who is present in the Court, specifically stated that notice has been issued only for the purpose of weighing the response from the applicants from Pernem Taluka and further that the entire process would be in strict compliance with the Goa Motor Vehicles Rules and the Act. Having considered the entire matter, we are of the opinion that the challenge to the notice impugned in the petition is without any basis and is also premature at this stage. We keep all the issues open to be decided at a later stage if at all any cause arises. 3.

The writ petition is accordingly dismissed. No order as to costs. VALMIKI SA MENEZES,J. DHIRAJ SINGH THAKUR, J. MEENA VISHAL BHOIR Date: 2023.03.24 10:21:30 +05'30'

MEENA VISHAL BHOIR st March, 2023