Goemkarponn Desk
MARGAO: The Court has granted permanent exemption to alleged accused Minister Mauvin Godinho from appearing for the trial of power rebate scam case.
In the Power rebate scam case, the lawyer representing former power minister and incumbent Industries Minister Mauvin Godinho filed for permanent exemption from appearing in the case on the ground that charges have already been framed.
Godinho further stated that due to the exigencies of work and the distance involved, he finds it difficult to remain present before the court.
Public Prosecutor D Korgaonkar filed a reply on behalf of the State, opposing the application on the ground that the presence of the accused is required since the matter will be taken up on a day-to-day basis.
Partly allowing Godinho’s application for a permanent exemption, Judge Agha said the accused is granted permanent exemption subject to the condition he shall remain present in person as and when required by this court during the course of evidence of any of the prosecution witnesses.
In 1998, former chief minister Manohar Parrikar exposed the scam and an FIR was registered in the crime branch of the Goa police against the then power minister in the Congress government. The special court ordered framing of charges against the accused in 2006.
Subsequently, in 2007, the high court held that prima facie there is material to frame charges for corruption against the accused. In 2018, the Supreme Court upheld the high court order to proceed with the trial against the accused.
Comment