Bombay High Court

SANFORD W. FERNANDESversusSTATE OF GOA, THR. ITS CHIEF SECRETARY AND 12 ORS

Disposal: Disposed of
Bench: SUMAN SHYAM AMIT S JAMSANDEKAR

Holding

The petition stands closed as the relief sought has already been effected.

Summary

The petitioner, Sanford W. Fernandes, filed a writ petition seeking a direction to constitute a demolition squad and to execute demolition of a building. While the petition was pending, the building was demolished, rendering the relief sought moot. The petitioner’s counsel argued that the petition had therefore become redundant. The respondents, represented by the Additional Government Advocate, confirmed that demolition had already been carried out. The Court held that since the purpose of the petition was fulfilled, there was no longer any issue to adjudicate. Consequently, the Court ordered the petition to be closed. The petition was therefore disposed of without any further orders.

Issues considered

Whether a writ petition seeking demolition remains maintainable after the subject building has already been demolished?

Subjects

demolition
writ petition
maintainability
High Court of Bombay at Goa
petition closed

Judgment

2026:BHC-GOA:267-DB
                                               18 WP 290 2025

                Jose

                       IN THE HIGH COURT OF BOMBAY AT GOA
                                WRIT PETITION NO.290 OF 2025

           SANFORD W. FERNANDES                                      ... PETITIONER
             Versus
           STATE OF GOA, THR. ITS CHIEF
           SECRETARY AND 12 ORS                                      ... RESPONDENTS


           Mr. Adish Halarnkar, Advocate for the Petitioner.

           Mr. Suhas Parab, Additional Government Advocate for Respondent Nos.1
           and 3 to 12.

           Mr. Zeller D'Souza, Advocate for Respondent No.13.


                                 CORAM:- SUMAN SHYAM &
                                         AMIT S. JAMSANDEKAR, JJ.
                                 DATED :- 17th February, 2026

           P.C.:


           1.    The learned Counsel for the Petitioner Mr. Halarnkar submits that
           the Writ Petition was filed primarily seeking a direction for providing
           a demolition squad and to execute the order of demolition. However,
           during the pendency of the Writ Petition, the building in question had
           already been demolished. Therefore, the Writ Petition has worked out.


           2.      Mr. Parab, learned Additional Government Advocate appearing
           for Respondent Nos. 1 and 3 to 12, is present and confirms the same.



                                                  Page 1 of 2
                                               17th February, 2026
                                                              18 WP 290 2025


                        3.        In view of the above, the Writ Petition stands closed.



                         AMIT S. JAMSANDEKAR, J.                               SUMAN SHYAM, J.




Signed by: JOSE FRANCISCO
DSOUZA
                                                                 Page 2 of 2
Designation: Personal Assistant
Date: 18/02/2026 10:30:27                                     17th February, 2026

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