The bench has given the Authority seven days’ time to respond in a second case, barring which it will face another fine for a similar delay. The Colva Civic and Consumer Forum (CCCF) was the petitioner, and the same NGT bench heard both the cases. But when it came to GCZMA, the Authority’s legal counsel was not present, but its office bearer appeared to inform of the counsel’s unavailability. The NGT Bench pointed out that they had asked GCZMA’s legal counsel to appear before them in person and disclose the reasons, but the counsel had not responded. Almeida had appeared via video conferencing and argued at length, but without GCZMA’s reply, there could be no progress in the case, NGT said.

Source: The Herald January 04, 2024 20:02 UTC