the goan I network
MARGAO
Senior Counsel Adv Carlos Alvares, who appeared for the contractor, advanced a marathon hour and half long arguments before sessions Judge, B P Deshpande on Wednesday evening. Adv Alvares will continue his arguments on Friday evening when the court resumes hearing of arguments before framing of charges against the accused persons.
Adv Alvares drew attention of Judge Deshpande to the report submitted by the Jha Commission, which was categorical in stating that no exact cause could be cited behind the collapse of the building at the Ruby residency project of Bharat Developers at Canacona in January 2014. "How can my client be hanged when the exact cause behind the collapse of the building is still not certain," Adv Alvares argued.
He further referred to the report submitted by a team of engineers from the engineering college, stating that though prima facie the collapse appears to have been caused by poor quality works, the panel did not carry out any chemical analysis to ascertain the quality of the building for want of facility.
The defence lawyer submitted that the contractor is not supposed to submit any documents, saying the task of making available the documents rests with the owners of the building, both under the old and new law.
Adv Alvares also dwelt at length on the issuance of completion certificate, liability certificate and the occupancy certificate saying that the dates when these documents goes to show that his client is not responsible for the charges made out by the investigating agency.
Not responsible for executing plan: Builder
The contractor in Ruby Residency building collapse case at Canacona, Vikas Desai on Wednesday submitted before the Sessions Court, South that a contractor cannot be held liable for executing a project based on the plans and designs submitted by the owners, architects and engineers.
