Goa government has notified the Goa Administrative Tribunal (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, enabling the appointment of additional Presidents when cases pending before the tribunal exceed 2,000.The ordinance, promulgated by Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju on October 15 and published in the Official Gazette today, amends the Goa Administrative Tribunal Act, 1965, and comes into force immediately.
Under the revised provisions, additional Presidents may be empowered to hear and decide cases arising from different districts, with co-extensive powers and concurrent jurisdiction over cases filed before them. The government can also notify separate places of sitting for additional Presidents, allowing hearings at different locations. Goa Administrative Tribunal is an appellate body dealing with disputes under the Agricultural Tenancy Act and Mundkar Act, besides appeals involving cooperative societies and matters from the municipal appellate tribunal.Earlier this month Goa Govt had told the High Court that 956 cases were pending before the tribunal. The appointment of the additional president is likely to fast-track pending administrative and revenue disputes.Incidentally, the South Goa Advocates Association has earlier filed a petition before the High Court seeking an additional tribunal bench for South Goa.
