Bombay High Court Orders Removal of Illegal Statue, Raps Goa Govt for "Gross Inaction"

The Bombay High Court has ordered the demolition of an illegally installed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue on Mormugao Port land, criticizing the Goa government for "gross inaction."

Despite the Port Authority's prior refusal to grant an NOC, the statue was unveiled with political backing.

The Court rejected the State's plea that the Port should use its own security, ruling that the Police and Magistrates are duty-bound to prevent criminal trespass and maintain law and order. 

Describing the State’s bystander role as "tacit collusion," the Bench directed authorities to provide armed protection for the demolition and restoration of the site.

[Mormugao Port Authority v. State of Goa & Ors.]