Goa Court Dismisses RG Chief's Application in Mapusa Agitation Case
A local court in Goa has firmly rejected an application filed by Revolutionary Goans (RG) chief Manoj Parab and six other individuals. The application sought to challenge a previous court order from September 4, 2024, which had directed the framing of charges against them. This case stems from an agitation against the demarcation of property belonging to the comunidade of Mapusa, which occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Court Cites 'Inordinate Delay' of 512 Days
In his defense, Parab informed the court that the delay of 512 days from September 2024 was due to his and the others' active involvement in political and public service activities. However, this explanation was strongly contested by public prosecutor Coleman Rodrigues.
Rodrigues argued that citing a busy schedule in political and public service activities as grounds for such a significant delay is totally perverse. He emphasized that the applicants failed to demonstrate that this prolonged delay was not deliberate or intentional.
The court, presided over by ad-hoc district judge 1, Artikumari Naik of the fast track court-1 in Merces, concurred with the prosecution. Judge Naik stated that merely claiming involvement in political and public service activities, including fulfilling various official and party-related obligations, does not constitute a valid explanation for the delay.
"The delay is not of just a month or so but is of more than one and a half years, i.e. to the tune of 512 days, and it is an inordinate delay," Judge Naik declared in the court's ruling.
Background of the Case and Charges
This legal matter dates back to 2024 when the court discharged the accused for a negligent act that was likely to spread dangerous, life-threatening diseases. However, in a separate ruling, the court directed that charges be framed against all of them for unlawful assembly related to the agitation.
The agitation itself was centered on protests against the demarcation of property owned by the Mapusa comunidade, a traditional village community in Goa. These events took place amidst the heightened restrictions and public health concerns of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The court's recent dismissal underscores the judicial system's stance on procedural timelines and the necessity for timely legal actions, especially in cases involving public order and health during critical periods like the pandemic.
