PANAJI
The High Court of Bombay at Goa has stayed further proceedings before the JMFC, Merces, against senior police officials in connection with a complaint filed by electricity department executive engineer and social activist Kashinath Shetye.
Police officials named
The complaint names SP Crime Branch Rahul Gupta, SP North Harischandra Madkaikar, SP Jivba Dalvi and PI Crime Branch Tushar Lotlikar over allegations relating to the handling of complaints arising from an incident at Merces on May 8, 2026.
The High Court has issued notice to Shetye.
Counter complaints
The matter stems from counter-complaints following an alleged assault at Merces. Old Goa Police Station registered Crime No. 65/2026 based on a complaint filed by Yogesh Tigadi, followed by Crime No. 66/2026 based on a complaint filed by Shetye.
Shetye subsequently approached the JMFC, alleging that the police authorities had failed to act on his complaints.
He sought the initiation of criminal proceedings against the concerned police officials.
JMFC proceedings
The JMFC thereafter passed a pre-cognizance order on June 17 and issued notice on June 23.
The matter was scheduled for further hearing before the JMFC, Merces, on September 29.
However, the State and the concerned police officials approached the High Court, challenging the proceedings and seeking, among other reliefs, a stay on the JMFC order and further proceedings.
Legal questions
The petition raises questions about the jurisdiction exercised by the JMFC, the statutory safeguards available to public servants and whether the allegations against the police officials relate to acts allegedly performed in the discharge of their official duties.
The High Court has now stayed further proceedings in the matter before the JMFC, Merces.
