MARGAO
Trial in the minor girl rape case allegedly involving Revenue Minister Atanasio Monserrate will be conducted thrice a week, beginning from June 5 by the High Court appointed Special Judge trying criminal cases against politicians, South Goa Sessions Judge, Irshad Agha.
In another development, Revenue Minister Monserrate has on Friday filed an application before Judge Agha through his lawyer, Adv Dhond praying for permanent exemption from appearing in the case given his status as a Minister and MLA representing Panaji constituency.
Public Prosecutor V G Costa will file his reply to the application at the next date of hearing on May 5.
When the matter came up before Judge Agha on Friday morning, Monserrate’s lawyer drew attention of the Judge that the case has been dragging on for the last six years. Presently, the Special Court is conducting the trial on a weekly basis.
Judge Agha pointed out that he has no problem in conducting the trial in the rape case on a daily basis before deciding to hold the trial in the case thrice a week after the vacation, beginning from June 5.
Meanwhile, Monserrate on Friday filed an application seeking permanent exemption from appearing in the case since he has to attend Cabinet and other meetings given his position as a Minister as well as a MLA representing Panaji constituency.
In his application, he submitted that his lawyers will appear before the Court during the trial and he is ready to comply with any conditions imposed by the Court on his application.
Public prosecutor, V G Costa is expected to file his reply to the application at the next date of hearing scheduled on May 5.
While asking the Public Prosecutor to file trial programme in the Court, Judge Agha directed that trial in the case will commence from June 5 and will be held on every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the morning session.
