Goa, July 16 -- The Supreme Court on Monday ruled that land leased under the Goa Agricultural Tenancy Act, 1964 must be used only for farming, and not for any other purpose. The verdict strengthens the legal protection for agricultural land in the state.

A bench of Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia and Justice K Vinod Chandran gave the ruling while hearing a long-standing dispute over two land parcels in Tivim, Bardez - Oiteil-de-Madel and Levelechy Aradi. The land was leased by the Comunidade of Tivim to the ancestors of the respondents in 1978 for agricultural use.

The issue dates back to 1986, when a civil court recognised the respondents as tenants. This decision became final, as no appeal was filed.

Meanwhile, the North Zone meetings are s...