the goan I network
PANAJI
Additional Solicitor General of India Atmaram Nadkarni, who is also the former Advocate General of Goa, has alleged that a political witch-hunt had begun against those perceived to be close to late Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar. Nadkarni’s statement comes in the backdrop of his exclusion from representing Goa before the Supreme Court ot National Green Tribunal (NGT). There were also allegations that Nadkarni claimed fees for representing pollution board in the Supreme Court despite he not being in possession of an official letter.
In an interview to Prudent media, the first after his exclusion, Nadkarni said that though the Chief Minister has the prerogative to appoint advocates but the way it is done is objectionable. “So many things have changed after Parrikar. There is political witch-hunting of people who are perceived to be close to (late) Mr Parrikar, including me,” said Nadkarni.
Nadkarni said that the present Chief Minister may have a different vision but there is political witch-hunting against doctors, lawyers, and professionals, which is not correct.
Services of Dr Mahesh Sardesai (Goa Medical College), who is father-in-law of late Parrikar’s son has been terminated without any replacement, he added. Appointment of Advocate General is prerogative of the government, but the way the decisions are taken is not fair. I was not taken into confidence before taking decisions, said Nadkarni.
While attributing the reasons for decisions of the present government going against him, Nadkarni said probably his clear views and advise may have angered some quarters in the government. He warned that the way decisions are being taken it is going to have its own repercussions, as people of Goa are watching.
While taking a dig at Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Nadkarni said that the country is in safe hands but many states are not. “Chief Minister Pramod Sawant is new and he should perform and show his capabilities. Today we have electricity problem in the state. There was no water for 10 days which never happened in the past. High Court has intervened in two development plans.
He also stated that Goa was safe in the hands of late Manohar Parrikar, while praising Pratapsingh Rane, Fransisco Sardhina. Laximikant Parsekar, who he said had done a fairly good job.
Stating that Parrikar practiced principled politics, Nadkarni questioned Pramod Sawant-led BJP’s decision to induct Congress legislators who have not accepted the ideology of the party.
Nadkarni praised Parrikar saying that his close friend’s political acumen was quite strong and he came up from party cadre. He did not become a Chief Minister overnight, he added.
Stating that he was appearing for many states in India, Nadkarni made it clear that the number of cases from Goa was negligible to him. “I am appearing on behalf of Maharastra, and also various other states including Andaman Nicobar, Uttar Pradesh. Goa means hardly anything,” Nadkarni said. The only thing that matters to me is that I consider as Goa as my state and I have attachment and affection for it.
He clarified that he never overcharged for appearing on behalf of the State. “One or two hearings of Goa does not give me much revenue. Some people are playing petty politics over my fees,” said the Additional Solicitor General of India. He claimed that the amount spent by Goa on Mhadei litigation is much less as compared to Karnataka. “Karnataka has spent Rs 70 crore and Goa government only Rs 11-12 crore,” he said.
“I have charged a low fee for Goa but some activist in Goa feels that I have charged heavy fees.”
He advised his critics to count the number of hearings and amount of time spent on the matter on litigation of Mhadei before commenting on the fees given to him in the matter. He further said that he will never ever appear for Goa and its departments except for some prestigious matter.
He clarified his stand on the controversy over his fees claims with regards to the pollution control board. Nadkarni said that senior advocates are never given a letter to appear for the case. A lawyer appointed by the pollution control board approached and requested me to appear in the matter, he said. Officials of pollution control board have come to my office and briefed me, Nadkarni informed.
“I have appeared for the Pollution Control Board before the National Green Tribunal and they have paid fees for the same matter,” Nadkarni said. If I was not the lawyer than why would the officials of Pollution Control Board come and brief me? asked Nadkarni. Is this not a political witch-hunt? Tomorrow, if this matter comes out I will certainly bring it to the notice of the Supreme Court, said Nadkarni.
