MARGAO
In an interesting development, South Goa Additional Sessions Judge Sayonara Telles Laad on Tuesday issued oral directions to the media not to cover the recording of evidence of witnesses during the trial in the Irish woman Danielle Mclaughlin rape and murder case allegedly involving accused Vikat Bhagat.
The Judge has further directed the media not to mention the names of the witnesses examined in the court during the trial.
Though the prosecution did not move an application before the court in this respect, sources said the Judge is believed to have taken the suo moto decision, apparently taking cognizance of the threats issued to the complainant in the case at Canacona soon after his examination. Court sources informed that the media has not been barred from entering the court room or to cover the case proceedings, but they have been only directed not to mention the names of the witnesses or to publish the evidence recorded during the trial.
The Judge made the oral order before the examination of a panch witness on Tuesday, whose evidence was recorded in the open court room. The examination will resume on May 3. Members of the media from the state and outside were taken aback by the order as many an outstation scribe was present in the court room to cover the proceedings.
