Goa, May 31 -- In a surprising turn, the Goa government on Friday requested a deferral of the Supreme Court hearing in its challenge to the Bombay High Court at Goa's March 13 judgment that significantly curtailed Section 17(2) of the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act.

The apex court adjourned the hearing and scheduled the matter for July 21, after state representatives cited the unavailability of their arguing counsel. The government has filed two Special Leave Petitions (SLPs)-one under the name of the Chief Secretary and another under the TCP Department-indicating the high stakes involved and reportedly to facilitate appearances by two senior advocates.

The delay drew criticism from environmentalist Claude Alvares, Director of the ...