Goa Human Rights Commission Strikes Down Panchayat Eviction Notice
The Goa Human Rights Commission has delivered a strong verdict against the Socorro panchayat. The commission ruled that the panchayat's eviction notice was completely without legal authority.
Notice Declared Illegal Under State Law
In a detailed observation, the commission found the notice dated December 12, 2025, to be bad in law. The notice directed a van driver, who faces accusations of sexually abusing a schoolgirl, and his family to vacate their premises in Socorro.
The commission clearly stated that the panchayat acted without jurisdiction under the Goa Panchayat Raj Act of 1994. This state law does not grant panchayats the power to issue such eviction orders in these circumstances.
Commission Orders Immediate Removal
The rights body has taken decisive action. It has recommended that the Socorro panchayat remove the notice from the door of the house within 48 hours. The notice was publicly pasted on the property where the accused and his family currently reside.
Furthermore, the commission has called for an action taken report from the panchayat. This report must be submitted within 15 days, or before January 27, in compliance with the Protection of Human Rights Act.
Case Taken Up on Commission's Own Motion
The commission initiated this case last month. It took suo motu cognisance, meaning it acted on its own motion after reading a news report about the eviction. The report detailed the panchayat's attempt to force the accused and his family from their home.
Following this, the commission issued a formal notice to the secretary of the Socorro panchayat. This set the stage for the recent hearing and the subsequent ruling that protects the family's housing rights during the legal process.
