PANAJI: The South Goa Advocates’ Association (SGAA) has criticised the recent state govt circular increasing land rates, calling it arbitrary and unjust. At an extraordinary general body meeting held on Friday, the association unanimously resolved to urge govt to immediately revoke the hiked rates, which they say have been imposed without any public consultation or a fair process.
SGAA president Prasad Naik said that the new rates are a significant departure from historical adjustments, as the increase is four to five times the base rate. “This unprecedented hike is done without public engagement and imposes an undue financial burden on individuals and businesses,” he said.
SGAA also stated that the increased rates are used as a basis for determining stamp duty and registration charges. It impacts property owners and prospective buyers.
The association questioned the transparency and rationale behind the drastic rate adjustment, stating that the committee to review base rates lacked the adequate representation from legal and the public stakeholders.
In addition to demanding revocation of the current rates, the association also resolved to advocate for inclusion of representatives from each district advocates’ association on govt committees who are responsible for setting base rates for land and built-up structures.
SGAA expressed concern over recent incidents of false complaints against lawyers, referring to a recent incident of assault on one of the advocate, Leona Barreto’s vehicle during an inspection and the subsequent filing of an FIR against her based on a counter-complaint.
