Retired Justice Issues Ultimatum for Goa Assembly Reconvening on Farmland Bill
In a significant development in Goa, retired Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Ferdino Rebello has issued a strong demand for the immediate reconvening of the state legislative assembly. Speaking at a public meeting in Sanguem on Saturday, Justice Rebello called upon the Governor to summon the assembly within 15 to 20 days specifically to discuss the crucial private member's bill aimed at protecting Goa's agricultural lands.
Warning of Public Agitation if Government Fails to Act
Justice Rebello delivered a stern warning during his address at the 'Enough is Enough' campaign gathering. He stated unequivocally that if the government continues to delay action on this critical legislation, citizens would have no choice but to take to the streets in protest. The retired justice emphasized that public patience was wearing thin over what he described as deliberate stalling tactics by the administration.
Questioning the Justification for Assembly Prorogation
The retired chief justice pointed out what he called the flawed reasoning behind the assembly's prorogation. He explained that the legislative session had been suspended under the pretext of the upcoming Ponda bypoll. However, with the High Court subsequently cancelling that very bypoll, Justice Rebello argued there remains no legitimate justification for keeping the assembly adjourned.
The 'Goa Protection of Agricultural Lands Act, 2026'
At the heart of this controversy lies the 'Goa Protection of Agricultural Lands Act, 2026,' a comprehensive piece of legislation drafted by the 'Enough is Enough' movement. According to Justice Rebello, this bill has already been formally submitted to multiple stakeholders including:
- The Chief Minister of Goa
- Presidents of all major political parties in the state
- All sitting Members of the Legislative Assembly
The retired justice revealed that opposition parties had successfully tabled the bill in the assembly before the session was abruptly curtailed.
Allegations of Government Embarrassment Avoidance
Justice Rebello made serious allegations about the government's motives for cutting short the legislative session. He claimed the administration deliberately ended the session early to avoid what he described as inevitable embarrassment. According to his statement, the government feared having to publicly declare its official position on the agricultural land protection bill during assembly proceedings.
"The government feared the significant embarrassment that would be caused by having to state its position clearly on this bill, and therefore they deliberately curtailed the session," Justice Rebello stated emphatically during his address.
Environmental Protection at Stake
The retired justice elaborated on the broader environmental implications of the proposed legislation. He emphasized that the bill represents more than just agricultural protection—it serves as a crucial safeguard for Goa's entire natural landscape. According to Justice Rebello, the legislation would effectively halt the ongoing destruction of:
- Goa's pristine lakes and water bodies
- The state's iconic hills and elevated landscapes
- Vital forest areas and green cover
- Agricultural fields and farming lands
Call to Action for Goa's Citizens
In his concluding remarks, Justice Rebello issued a direct call to action for the people of Goa. He urged citizens to prepare for sustained agitation at Azad Maidan, one of the state's most prominent public gathering spaces. The retired justice made it clear that such protests would continue until the agricultural land protection legislation is formally enacted into law.
The retired justice's statements have added significant momentum to the growing movement for agricultural land protection in Goa, setting the stage for potential political confrontation if the government fails to address these demands promptly. The coming weeks will reveal whether the administration heeds this ultimatum or faces the threatened public protests.
