Goa High Court Dismisses PIL Against Bhutani Real-Estate Project in Sancoale
The Bombay High Court in Goa has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by residents opposing a major real-estate project by Bhutani Infra in Sancoale, dealing a blow to local opposition.
RealestateGoaBhutani InfraPilEnvironmental ConcernsReal EstateNov 15, 2025
The petitioners, led by social activist Peter D’Souza along with four others from Vasco and Sancoale, had sought to annul approvals granted for the project, including its technical clearance, construction license, and conversion sanad. They also requested the court to prevent Parmesh Constructions Company Ltd (Bhutani Infra) from commencing construction work.
The petition raised environmental and community concerns, arguing that the development would damage green cover, threaten local biodiversity, and strain natural resources, particularly affecting the groundwater table. The petitioners warned that the project could pose a direct threat to the well-being of villagers.
They also claimed that the approvals allowed construction of multi-family villas and swimming pools without providing the mandatory road access required under the Goa Building Regulations 2010. Furthermore, the technical clearance issued on February 2, 2024, was challenged as unlawful, and the site’s classification as Commercial (C-1) Zone was disputed.
The PIL also questioned the legality of the conversion sanad granted by the Additional Collector I of South Goa, which amended a 2007 conversion order. According to the petitioners, the earlier order had lapsed and could not be lawfully revived or altered from residential to commercial use.
Despite these objections, the High Court rejected the PIL, allowing the project approvals to remain intact, marking a setback for the residents’ efforts to halt the development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue with the Bhutani Infra project in Sancoale?
The main issue with the Bhutani Infra project in Sancoale is that it raises environmental and community concerns, including damage to green cover, threats to local biodiversity, and strain on natural resources, particularly affecting the groundwater table.
Who filed the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against the project?
The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed by social activist Peter D’Souza along with four other residents from Vasco and Sancoale.
What specific approvals did the petitioners seek to annul?
The petitioners sought to annul the technical clearance, construction license, and conversion sanad granted for the Bhutani Infra project.
Why did the petitioners argue that the technical clearance was unlawful?
The petitioners argued that the technical clearance was unlawful because it allowed the construction of multi-family villas and swimming pools without providing the mandatory road access required under the Goa Building Regulations 2010.
What was the outcome of the PIL in the Bombay High Court?
The Bombay High Court dismissed the PIL, allowing the project approvals to remain intact, which marked a setback for the residents' efforts to halt the development.
Related News Articles
Lodha Group Sells 24-Acre Mumbai Land to Singapore’s STT GDC for Data Center Development
Lodha Group, one of India's leading real estate developers, has sold a 24-acre plot in Mumbai to Singapore-based STT GDC for the development of a state-of-the-art data center. This strategic move underscores the growing importance of data infrastructure in the region.
GujRERA Takes Action Against Shivalik Group for Pre-Registration Marketing
Gujarat Real Estate Regulatory Authority (GujRERA) refers a case to its secretary for legal action against Shivalik Wave project promoters for alleged pre-registration marketing.
Housing Sales Drop for 10th Consecutive Quarter in Q3 2025, Mumbai Region Hit Hardest
India’s housing market witnessed a 4% decline in sales across the top nine cities in the July-September quarter, with the Maharashtra region, including Mumbai, experiencing the most significant contraction.