Panaji Margao Courts Designated To Fast Track Land Grabbing Cases Across Goa
The Goa government has designated special courts in Panaji and Margao to exclusively handle land grabbing cases. With over 44 FIRs and 56 arrests so far, the decision aims to accelerate prosecutions and ensure legal accountability. The step follows a high court nod and is part of a broader effort to clean up fraudulent property transactions across the state.
In response to mounting concerns over fraudulent land transactions, the Goa government has designated two special courts—one each in Panaji and Margao—to exclusively deal with cases of land grabbing. The decision, aimed at ensuring swift justice and curbing long-standing delays in prosecution, comes amidst a growing number of First Information Reports (FIRs) related to illegal land transfers using forged documents. The special courts, to be presided over by District Judge-1 and Additional Sessions Judge in both districts, are expected to fast-track the complex investigations already underway. The special courts will continue functioning until a dedicated legislation is enacted to deal with such crimes more comprehensively.
According to the official notification, this step has been taken following the recommendation of the commission of inquiry led by a senior judicial figure and with the full concurrence of the High Court. The move marks a significant institutional response to a real estate scandal that has rattled public confidence in property ownership across Goa. Since the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) in June 2022, the crackdown on illegal land transfers has intensified. Police stations across Goa have been actively forwarding cases to the SIT, including older complaints that were initially registered at the Crime Branch in Ribandar. The SIT has registered over 44 FIRs and made 56 arrests so far, underlining the scale of the issue. Several cases have already been charge-sheeted, while others are nearing disposal, indicating a proactive legal framework gradually taking shape.
What triggered the government’s action was the sheer scale of complaints pouring in from multiple quarters. The allegations ranged from fake documentation to identity fraud, targeting especially properties that remained unclaimed or were held by non-resident Indians. Some cases reportedly involved high-value land parcels being transferred without the knowledge or consent of legitimate owners. These fraudulent actions have raised serious concerns about the loopholes in land registry systems and the ease with which manipulation has been possible. The road to completely eliminating land fraud in Goa will depend on sustained policy reforms, technological upgrades, and robust legal enforcement.
