Goa, July 24 -- A new law passed in Goa-the Escheats, Forfeiture and Bona Vacantia Act, 2024-has sparked widespread concern among Goans both in the state and abroad. The Act allows the government to take over properties of individuals who die without a will and without any legal heirs. This legal concept, known as escheat, exists in many parts of India, but the way it is being applied in Goa has led to fears of misuse.

Under the law, local revenue officers such as talathis and mamlatdars can begin inquiries into such properties. Deputy Collectors act as the authority to process the cases, while appeals can be made to Additional Collectors. Once a property is found to be "ownerless," a one-year public notice is issued. If no legal claim i...