Rohan Ashok Khaunte v. State Of Goa, Thr. Chief Secretary And 5 ORS

2025:BHC-GOA:1771-DB Esha

IN THE HIGH COURT OF BOMBAY AT GOA

PIL WRIT PETITION NO. 21 OF 2021 ROHAN ASHOK KHAUNTE

VERSUS

STATE OF GOA, THR. CHIEF SECRETARY & 5 OTHERS ... PETITIONER ... RESPONDENTS ***** Mr. Preetam Talaulikar, Advocate for the Petitioner. Mr. Deep D. Shirodkar, Additional Government Advocate holding for Ms. Maria Correia, Additional Government Advocate for Respondent Nos. 1 to 4.

Ms. Riya Amonkar, Advocate for Respondent No. 5. Ms. Akshata Bhat, Additional Government Advocate for Respondent No. 6.

Ms. Soumya Drago, Advocate for the Intervenor.

CORAM:

BHARATI DANGRE & ASHISH S. CHAVAN, JJ.

DATED:

20th SEPTEMBER 2025 P.C:

1.

On 22.04.2025, we directed the Managing Director of the SIDC to file an affidavit, giving the timelines for completion of the work including installation of the pumping station. By filing various reports, the Court was apprised of the progress in construction of the Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) and ancillary works and we were informed that the work is at final stage.

Since the earlier timeline for completion of the said project was 31.12.2025, the Managing Director of SIDC of Goa Limited,

Mr. Rajendra Kumar Biharilal Khanna, has affirmed an affidavit on 17.06.2025 along with necessary photographs and also setting out the difficulties as to why the work will not be completed before the scheduled date.

2.

The affidavit has categorically stated that on account of the issuance of road closure orders from the Authorities and also due to the ongoing monsoon season, the work of laying of trunk main and construction of manholes could not be taken. However, in paragraphs 14 and 18, the deponent has categorically made the following statements:- "14. I say that given the extent of pending work of laying of trunk main and construction of manholes, the Respondent no. 6 requires 33 weeks with splitting of 18 weeks and 15 weeks for working in phased manner during the non-monsoon season/dry season, as proposed by the Project Management consultant vide letter dated 28/05/2025. I am producing the letter dated 28/05/2025 by Unity I.E World, Pune. The same is marked as Annexure C.

18.

I say that the Respondent no. 6 is making all endeavours to adhere to the timelines placed before the Hon'ble Court however due to the aforesaid reasons the Respondent no. 6 is unable to complete the work as per the stipulated timeline."

3.

The whole object of the public interest litigation was to initiate the appropriate measures to be taken for construction of

STP, which is now already started, but could not be completed for the reasons which we have noted and also stated in the affidavit filed by Respondent No. 6. With the difficulties that have been placed before us, we are convinced that there was no deliberate intention in delaying the project, but the intervening circumstances like the monsoon as well as road closure orders, has caused the delay.

Since now a commitment is given to us, we deem it appropriate to direct that the work of construction of STP including the laying of trunk line and construction of the manholes, shall be completed on or before 31st of May 2026. The statements made in the affidavit is accepted as an undertaking given to the Court and we expect the SIDC to adhere to the timeline set out therein.

4.

By accepting the aforesaid undertaking, the PIL Writ Petition is disposed of.

Needless to state that if the work is not completed, the Authority is at liberty to seek extension of time from this Court, which, depending upon the circumstances, shall be considered. ASHISH S. CHAVAN, J.

BHARATI DANGRE, J.

Signed by: ESHA SAINATH VAIGANKAR Designation: Personal Assistant Date: 22/09/2025 14:35:43