Poor infrastructure stalls English translation of Portuguese laws in Goa

Even after 50 years of liberation, Goa is still finding it difficult to get Portuguese laws translated into English due to lack of infrastructure, a top official said today. 

Goa Law Commission chairman Ramakant Khalap said that lack of infrastructure and expertise has kept on hold state's plans to translate these century-old laws into English.

The state, a former Portugal colony for 450 years, has many of its main laws in Portuguese. This year, Goa is celebrating its golden jubilee of liberation from colonisation.

Khalap said he had single-handedly tried to translate these laws into English but could not meet success.

"I have asked my friends to provide us (government) a translator who can be authentic," the former Union minister said.

He said mere translations will not work as they are bound to be challenged in the court by anyone.

"The only option left to break this imbroglio is to adopt new framework of laws through our Legislative Assembly," Khalap said adding that the Law Commission is trying to study the issue in detail.