The Goa government withdrew the Goa Buildings (Lease, Rent and Eviction) Control (Amendment) Bill, 2022 from the legislative assembly after failing to secure the President’s assent.
Subsequently, a new bill was introduced, eliminating provisions that override central laws. The fresh bill aims to facilitate the grant of premises through leave and licence agreements, along with making consequential amendments to section 2 to encourage landlords to offer buildings on a leave and licence basis.
Additionally, the bill proposes amendments to section 54 to decriminalize imprisonment provisions. The previous bill outlined penalties for licensees who fail to vacate a building at the end of the agreement, with possible imprisonment up to three months or a fine not exceeding Rs1 lakh.
Section 53A mandated the compulsory registration of lease contracts and leave and licence agreements, with an overriding effect on other central acts.
Introduced on July 22, 2022, the original bill faced delays in obtaining Presidential assent due to its overriding provisions over two central legislations.
Despite repeated follow-ups and clarifications, the assent could not be secured, leading the government to withdraw the bill under these circumstances.
