Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced a significant decision regarding the controversial Section 17A of the Town and Country Planning Act. In a surprising U-turn, Sawant stated that the state government will not approach the Supreme Court to challenge the high court’s decision striking down Section 17A. Instead, the government will amend the legislation to address the concerns raised by stakeholders. The move comes after intense pressure from the Opposition and civil society groups to revoke the provision, which was seen as detrimental to the interests of landowners. Section 17A had granted special powers to the Town and Country Planning Department to change land use in certain cases, leading to allegations of corruption and favoritism. Sawant assured that the government is committed to transparency and will ensure that the new rules for Section 17A operations are fair and equitable. The decision was welcomed by activists and opposition parties who had been demanding the repeal of the contentious provision. The Chief Minister’s announcement is expected to bring relief to landowners and residents who were worried about the implications of Section 17A on their properties. The government’s decision to amend the legislation instead of pursuing a legal battle in the Supreme Court is seen as a proactive step towards resolving the issue and restoring trust in the planning process.