the goan I network
PANAJI
The State Election Commission on Friday heard the arguments of the petitioners Inacio Pereira and two others in the disqualification petition filed by them against St Cruz panch (ward No 3) Lourenco Rodrigues. The matter has been posted for October 31 for arguments by the defendant.
Speaking after the hearing, one of the petitioners Kashinath Shetye stated, "We have argued that the fake provisional certificate was given. But Form 3B was not submitted rendering the nomination process itself invalid and couldn't have withstood the scrutiny."
In his petition, Pereira has brought to the attention of the SEC that Rodrigues submitted an invalid OBC certificate from Vasco-based Association of Christian Backward Classes (ACBC) to prove his caste status and thereafter he was elected in reserved wards during the recent panchayat polls. Having failed to renew its registration, the ACBC was an unregistered society under section 3 (B) 5 of the Societies Registration (Goa Second Amendment Act, 1998) on the date of issue of the caste certificate to Rodrigues.
Pereira has alleged that ACBC secured Rs 25,000 to issue caste certificate to each candidate and has voiced his resolve to pursue the case of other two panch members upon conclusion of the present case before SEC.
