On 7 April 2026, the High Court of Bombay at Goa, with Justice Valmiki Menezes and Justice Amit S. Jamsandekar, passed an interim order in favour of the Mormugao Port Authority.

What the Case Is About:

The case was about a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj that was put up on Port land at Headland Sada, Vasco-da-Gama. The Court looked into claims that the land was being used without permission. It also noted that the police and government authorities had not acted quickly, even though the Port Authority had made several complaints.

The Port Authority approached  the Court saying that some unknown people had forcefully entered its land and started building a permanent statue without permission. It also said that even after making complaints to the police on 16 February 2026 and 20 February 2026, no proper action was taken.

The petition said that the land belongs to the Port Authority, is recorded in the property card, and is also treated as public premises.

Unveiling Incident:

It further stated that the situation became worse on 19 February 2026, when a group led by Sankalp Amonkar allegedly entered the land without permission, held a public unveiling ceremony, and put up a plaque saying that the statue had been unveiled by him at Sada Junction, Mormugao.

A major part of the Court’s discussion was about how the State responded, or failed to respond, to the repeated complaints and the possible  law and order risk  at the site.

Police Knew the Situation:

The Court noted that the police themselves had asked for permission to conduct a preliminary inquiry and had also requested help from an executive magistrate.

 The judgment records that the police had taken 28 statements and said the matter was being looked into. However, the Court found that their affidavit did not explain why no effective steps were taken to stop further encroachment or construction.

No Action Even After Court Case:

The Court strongly criticized the fact that no action was taken even after the Port Authority approached the Court and informed all authorities about the pending case.

The State argued that the Port Authority had its own legal  remedies under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1971, and that the Estate Officer could take action  against the illegal structure.  The Municipal Council said it had no power over Port land because of the Major Port Authorities Act, 2021.

Court Rejects State’s Stand:

The Court did not accept the State’s attempt to put the entire responsibility on the Port Authority. It said that even if the Port has its own remedies, the State still has a duty to maintain law and order and stop criminal trespass.

The Court also said that just because the trespassers were not identified, it does not mean the State cannot act to protect the property and stop further illegal construction.

Strong Words by Court:

One of the strongest parts of the judgment is how the Court described what happened during the alleged trespass and the unveiling ceremony.

The judgment says, “It is absolutely unbelievable, that such a large gathering could have been allowed on the Port land, and the forcible construction and unveiling of the statue on such land be held, without any knowledge of the Police Inspector of Mormugao or Bogda Police Station, the Sub Divisional Police Officer, Vasco, the Mamlatdar of Mormugao, the SDM of Mormugao and both the Superintendent of the Police and the Collector of South Goa”.

Serious Findings Against State:

The Court went further and said that the facts showed “a clear invasion of property of a Major Port” and that the State had acted “as a mere bystander” and had “tacitly colluded with the perpetrators of the invasion”.

The Court finally gave interim protection to the Port Authority.

 Security and Orders Issued:

It ordered the Superintendent of Police, South Goa, the Collector, the Mamlatdar, and the concerned police stations to provide  armed security and take all necessary steps, including prohibitory orders if needed, to stop any further work on the property.

Removal Allowed:

The Court also allowed the Port Authority to dismantle or remove the pedestal, statue, and nearby constructions, and to restore the land to its original condition, with police help.

It added the Superintendent of Police, South Goa, as a respondent in the case and directed that the order must be enforced by 4 May 2026. A report must  be submitted on the next date of hearing.

 Case Details: Mormugao Port Authority v. State of Goa & Ors.