Freedom fighter and first woman lawyer of Goa will inaugurate the Goa Foundation’s Public Interest Law course on October 26. The first lecture on the same day on Public Interest Litigation and the Rule of Law will be taken by Senior Advocate, Ms Norma Alvares, well known for her public advocacy work at the High Court.
The last edition of the popular PIL course was held in Mapusa in 2024, with participation of over 100 participants, all now equipped with knowledge of the law and capable of making a difference in their communities.
The PIL course is a call to every Goan who wants to take an active role in the protection of our land, resources, and way of life. You do not need to be a lawyer and you do not need any experience. All are welcome, all you need is the will to make a difference.
To make it easy for working people and students, the course is spread over 16 sessions, every Monday and Thursday evening, in order to enable easier understanding. Participants can expect to learn how to use the law to challenge illegal and harmful projects in their villages and towns. They will also learn how to deal with courts, government departments and panchayats, and how to use the Right To Information Act to get the documents that matter. By the end of the course, they will have a basic understanding of all aspects of the law and courts and how to file a PIL.
Former Chief Justice Ferdino Rebello, convenor of Enough is Enough, is one of the eminent persons who will be taking a session. So will the state’s Advocate General, Devidas Pangam.
Seats are limited and filling fast. For registration and details, please contact 93254 11377 or 93251 50123. Additionally, you can visit the Goa Foundation website, or email goafoundationoff@gmail.com.
Anthony de Souza
Director/GF