PANAJI
The Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Margao, on Tuesday granted conditional bail to social activist Fidoll Pereira, who was arrested by Colva police over allegations of making defamatory and abusive remarks against former minister Francisco Pacheco on social media.
Magistrate Vaishali Lotlikar allowed Pereira’s bail plea after observing that the prosecution had not established sufficient grounds to oppose the application. The Court further noted that the objections raised by the prosecution could be addressed through suitable conditions.
During the hearing, Pereira, represented by Advocate Sahil Sardessai, contended that she had been falsely implicated and that her custodial interrogation was not required.
The prosecution, however, opposed the plea, arguing that the offences were serious in nature and expressing apprehension that Pereira could influence witnesses or evade trial.
Granting bail, the Court imposed conditions, including daily reporting at Colva Police Station for 15 days, a restriction on leaving the country without court permission, and a direction not to tamper with evidence or intimidate witnesses.
