MARGAO
South Goa Principal Sessions Judge, Irshad Agha has ordered setting up of a commission headed by the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Panaji to record the statement of a witness in the Power rebate scam case allegedly involving former Power Minister Mauvin Godinho.
When the matter came up for trial before the South Goa Sessions Court, the attention of the Judge was drawn to the fact that a witness, a retired senior power official, could not make it to the court on medical grounds.
Judge Irshad ordered the setting up of the Commission with a direction to record the statement of the witness and submit the same before the Sessions Court.
Court partly allows plea for permanent exemption
MARGAO: The South Goa Sessions Court on Friday partly allowed the application filed by Minister Mauvin Godinho for permanent exemption in the Power rebate scam case.
The Minister had filed the application for permanent exemption on the ground that charges have already been framed, and that he finds it difficult to remain present before the Court due to exigencies of work and the distance involved.
The application was opposed by Public Prosecutor, D Korgaonkar filed on the ground that presence of the accused is required since the matter will be taken up on day-to-day basis.
In the order, Judge Irshad Agha pointed out that the trial in the case has already started with around 17 witnesses deposing before the Court. “Since identity of the accused is not disputed and since accused is holding the post of a Minister, the application for permanent exemption sought by the accused can be granted subject to terms and conditions,” the Judge said.
The Court granted permanent exemption subject to the terms and conditions that the accused shall remain present in person as and when required by this Court during the course of evidence of any of the prosecution witnesses.
The Court further directed that the accused shall appear through video conferencing as and when required by this Court for the purpose of identification of the accused.
