MAPUSA
The embattled Pastor Domnic and his wife Joan D’Souza have vacated their residence in Siolim following an externment order, but their legal battle is far from over.
Challenging the order, the couple has lodged an appeal before the Chief Secretary, with the hearing anticipated in the near future.
Representing the couple, Manuel D’Souza vehemently refuted the allegations against them, labelling all charges as false.
He pointed out that not a single conviction has been secured in any of the cases brought against Domnic and Joan.
D’Souza particularly questioned the accusation of playing loud music, asserting that the prayer hall of the Five Pillars Christian Church, where the couple conducted their activities, was soundproof.
He referenced a previous ruling by the High Court of Bombay at Goa, which decreed that soundproof halls do not require specific sound permissions.
Drawing parallels with a similar incident in 2022, D’Souza recalled an order issued by former District Magistrate and Collector Sanjiv Dessai under Section 144, which restricted the pastor couple from holding religious gatherings.
This order, based on a report from the Superintendent of Police (North), was challenged in court, leading to a landmark judgment in favour of Pastor Domnic and the Five Pillars Christian Church.
The High Court of Bombay at Goa quashed the Section 144 order, citing violations of the fundamental right to practice religion.
D’Souza contended that the current case and the subsequent externment order against the pastor couple appear to follow a similar pattern to the previous incident and are likely to meet the same fate in court.
As the legal proceedings unfold, attention remains focused on the outcome of the couple's appeal and its potential implications for religious freedom and law enforcement practices in the State.
