the goan I network
MARGAO
With the Crime Branch zeroing in on the Quepem MLA in the two cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act and Gambling Act, Leader of the Opposition Babu Kavlekar got a major relief on Friday with the South Goa Sessions Court directing the investigating agency not to arrest the MLA till Monday when his anticipatory bail plea will come up for hearing.
With the Crime Branch summoning the Opposition Leader for interrogation on Friday morning, Babu's legal counsel,
Adv Surendra Desai appeared in the South Goa sessions court at 10 am to file the anticipatory bail application. Sessions Judge B P Deshpande heard brief arguments advanced by Adv Desai, before passing an order, directing the respondents not to arrest the MLA till Monday.
The court ordered issuance to the Investigating Officer as to why the prayer for anticipatory bail shall not be confirmed. Hearing on Babu's bail plea has been fixed for hearing on Monday.
"The applicant is ready to attend the Crime Branch and cooperate with the Investigating officer.
However, he is apprehending arrest. Considering the apprehensions with regard to sections of the
Prevention of the Corruption Act, the applicant is required to be protected by way of interim measure. Issue show cause to the IO as to why the prayer of the applicant for anticipatory bail shall not be confirmed. Keep on Monday for reply of the respondent. Till then, the application shall not be arrested.
However, he shall attend the Crime Branch today as well as any subsequent days as directed by the IO. Notice to be issued to the IO immediately", Judge Deshpande said in his brief order.
Sources said it was only after the court passed the order, granting interim bail to the Leader of the Opposition, that he headed to the Crime Branch office for interrogations.
