MARGAO
Former Power Minister & incumbent Industries Minister Mauvin Godinho has been directed by the South Goa Sessions Court, hearing the alleged Power rebate scam, to personally remain present in the court at the next date of hearing.
When the case was called out for hearing, Mauvin was again conspicuous by his absence and his lawyer moved an application for his exemption.
South Goa Sessions Judge Irshad Agha who is appointed as a Special Judge by the High Court to try criminal cases against politicians, observed that Mauvin Godinho, who is cited as accused no. 1 in the case, has never remained present in person before the court.
Judge Agha further observed that Mauvin has not remained present in the court since the time proceedings were transferred to the South Goa Sessions Court by the High Court.
The Industries Minister had twice appeared virtually before the court but is yet to make his presence felt to date. He has been directed to remain present personally at the next date of the hearing scheduled on April 28.
Meanwhile, Judge Agha heard arguments on the application filed by an accused company represented by Adv Rajan Chodankar seeking directions to the prosecution to furnish copies of the documents/receipt books which are sought to be used against the accused in the case.
Public Prosecutor D Korgaonkar has pointed out that certain documents, which are part of Mudemal property cannot be handed over to the accused persons.
The judge has reserved the order for April 28.
