MARGAO: The hearing in the infamous Ruby Residency case on Tuesday before the first Additional Sessions Judge Edgar Fernandes was quite dramatic as the Public Prosecutor was found wanting and the mobile phone of a Deputy Collector, who is one of the accused, was seized by the court.
When the matter was called out today for arguments before charge, the PP began reading his arguments and had to be stopped by the Judge stating that he could not follow what the Public Prosecutor was arguing.
The PP pleaded to submit a written argument which was accepted by the Judge but in the application seeking an adjournment, the Public Prosecutor again slipped in not mentioning the reason why the adjournment was sought.
The judge noted that there sufficient grounds were not mentioned to seek an adjournment however; he said he was adjourning the matter to give the prosecution final opportunity to place their arguments. He also directed that advance copy of the arguments be provided to the accused.
Meanwhile, one Sarash Kolah moved a criminal miscellaneous application before the court praying that the builders in the case be discharged of Section 420 (cheating) that was filed by her as the matter has been amicably resolved between them by signing consent terms before the Consumer Court in Delhi.
In another dramatic development, the mobile phone of one of the accused Prashant Shirodkar who is presently the Deputy Collector at Quepem rang while the court was in session and it had to be confiscated by the court.
The judge snapped at the advocates asking them how their clients did not switch off their mobiles in the court and also said the same to the accused, some of whom are senior government officials.
It was indeed ironical that the person who as a deputy collector hears cases and demands silence during the hearing, did not switch off his mobile while attending the court.
Prashant Shirodkar was the deputy collector at Canacona holding additional charge as Chief Officer of Canacona Municipal Council when the building collapsed on January 4, 2014 killing 31 persons. In all there are 32 accused in the case including nine government officials.
