The Goa, Daman and Diu Mundkars (Protection from Eviction) Act, 1975 clearly defines a “mundkar” and grants key rights, including protection from eviction and the ability to purchase a dwelling. Yet, in practice, the process is often slow and frustrating. My grandmother’s case dragged on for 30 years despite sufficient evidence, and it was resolved only after a tenancy compromise.
Under the Act, a mundkar is someone lawfully residing in a house with the bhatkar’s consent, including family members. They have rights to repair and purchase the dwelling, but only after being officially declared mundkars. This delay raises serious concerns about rightful possession.
Although mundcarial rights are heritable, they are mostly non-transferable. So why does the system struggle to grant timely recognition and issue purchase certificates? Even a small 60 sq. mt application has remained pending for eight years. An elderly applicant died waiting, leaving his family still seeking justice. The law appears simple, but its implementation remains deeply problematic.
