Expect govt to be vigilant of KA repairs: HC

Panaji: The Bombay high court observed that it was sure govt would fix responsibility on officials who bypassed the tendering process for structural repair and renovation of the Kala Academy in the state capital.

Declining to dispose of a PIL asking for an independent inquiry into works at the Kala Academy, a division bench of Justices Bharati Dangre and Ashish Chavan, noted that they were concerned with the accomplishment of the work that was allotted to Techton Builders Pvt Ltd, Andheri (W), Mumbai, on May 3, 2021 at Rs 39.6 crore.“We expect state govt to be vigilant in ensuring that if the work is shoddy, and if it falls within the defect liability clause, if any, then the structure must be repaired and renovated as per the scope of the work order,” the order stated.The HC refused to dispose of the PIL by Durgadas Kamat seeking an independent inquiry into the alleged shoddy works, and posted the hearing for Sep 29. The project proponent informed the court that it needs more time to place on record what’s been done to see that the work is carried out as per the work order.The division bench said it expects the stand of govt regarding defects pointed out in the works, and manner in which the task will be completed, will be made clear before it.

A three-member committee constituted by govt in Jan 2023 to investigate why Techton Builders Pvt Ltd was selected without a tendering process, submitted its findings to the vigilance department. The HC was informed that further inquiry is on, and relevant documents of the directorate of art and culture, PWD and Kala Academy are being scrutinised. Once the inquiry is completed, the report will be submitted.