PANAJI
The Merces court has issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against Geetesh Naik, the richest candidate in the forthcoming Ponda by-election, in connection with an alleged Rs 5 lakh cheque bounce case, observing that he had been evading appearance for two years.
In its order dated March 30, the Civil Judge Junior Division and JMFC, D Court, Merces, noted the continued absence of the accused. “None present for the accused and advocate absent,” the court recorded, directing that a non-bailable warrant be issued against Naik, AAP candidate.
The court rejected an application of the advocate for the accused, seeking an exemption from appearance. The Court stated that NBW had already been issued and that the accused had failed to remain present since April 8, 2024. “Since the matter is three years old and no reason is mentioned for his absence today, the application for exemption is rejected,” the court observed. The next hearing has been scheduled for May 8.
The case arises from a complaint filed by Shamsunder Mirajkar, who alleged that a cheque issued by Naik for Rs 5 lakh during execution proceedings in 2021 was dishonoured.
Mirajkar told the court that Naik had not been appearing regularly, prompting an earlier order on March 18, 2024, when a non-bailable warrant was cancelled with directions for him to remain present on all dates. Despite this, the complainant said, Naik continued to remain absent on multiple occasions, including July 2, August 19, September 20, October 7, October 21, and December 20, 2024.
The complainant further stated that attempts to execute the warrant had failed despite police assistance to the bailiff, alleging that the accused was deliberately avoiding arrest.
In April 2025, the Civil Judge Senior Division, Ponda, issued a notice for providing police protection to the bailiff to facilitate the execution of the arrest warrant.
The development comes amid political controversy surrounding Naik’s candidature. Aldona Congress MLA Adv Carlos Ferreira had recently objected to his nomination, alleging suppression of material information regarding a criminal case.
Ferreira said an FIR dated July 15, 2025, had been registered at Kengeri Police Station in Bengaluru under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, in which Naik is named as accused No. 1. He added that Naik has challenged the FIR through a writ petition.
Naik’s nomination was however, upheld by the Returning Officer.
