PANJIM, April 29 -- Three real estate firms have approached the High Court of Bombay at Goa challenging the State government's abrupt decision to roll back land-use changes granted under Section 39A of the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act in the Sant Andre constituency - a move triggered by sustained public protests.

The petitions stem from the government's February 25 announcement suspending and withdrawing all change-of-zone proposals in Sant Andre with immediate effect, following widespread agitation led by residents of Palem-Siridao. The protests, which quickly drew support from across Goa, were largely directed against the use of Section 39A to convert orchard and natural cover zones into settlement areas.

At the core of the dis...