PANAJI, Oct. 21 -- The Goa government has informed the High Court that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a legendary figure and an integral part of Goa's history, expressing its intention to retain his statue at its existing location.

In an affidavit submitted before the High Court, the Chief Secretary stated that the government wants the statue to remain at the present site and would follow due legal procedures to acquire the land belonging to the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA), which has been described as encroached upon.

The government's submission comes amid the ongoing legal proceedings concerning the statue's location and the land on which it stands.

The High Court is scheduled to hear the matter on November 3, when further developme...