Goemkarponn Desk
PANAJI: The Special Court heard arguments on the transfer of the 2016 Atanasio Monserrate rape case to a woman judge and has reserved the orders for April 05.
The Advocate of the accused blamed the public prosecutor for dilly dally in the case due to transfer from one court to the other while the prosecution claims a lady judge is required for ensuring justice for the victim.
The case was recently transferred to the South Goa principal district and sessions court presided over by Judge Irshad Agha.
The prosecution submitted that the case pertains to atrocities against women, attracting Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code and sections 3 and 4 of the POCSO Act.
The prosecution said that given the case’s sensitivities, it should be transferred to a woman judge. Judge Agha posted the matter on March 24 for reply and arguments.
Monserrate is facing trial for the rape of a young girl and is charged with the offences of rape with section 376 of the Indian Penal Code, human trafficking, section 370 A of the IPC, Section 328 (poisoning) and section 324 of wrongful confinement.
The victim had in a statement given to the police back in 2016 accused Monserrate of buying her, drugging her and sexually assaulting her.
The second accused, who happened to be related to the survivor, is undergoing trial for abetment.
Monserrate has consistently denied all allegations but also refused to speak details of the complaint stating the matter is sub judice.
