MARGAO, JUNE 28
Russian woman rape accused John Fernandes on Monday has moved the South Goa Sessions court with a plea to conduct the trial on a day-to-day basis.
Moving the application, John’s lawyer, Adv Anacleto Viegas said his client is entitled for a speedy trial since he has been in custody for the last five months and half without trial.
He submitted that John is entitled for a speedy trial under Article 19 of the Constitution.
The court has adjourned hearing of the case to July 2.
The Sessions court has heard arguments before framing of charge against the accused person. The defense has argued that some of the sections slapped on the accused are not all applicable in the case.
The court will pronounce its order on the arguments before framing of charge on Friday.
John has been in custody since his arrest by the crime branch in the first week of January after he surrendered to the investigating agency after he failed to obtain bail from the Supreme Court.
The Russian woman has accused the Colva resident for allegedly raping her in his car after dropping her friend at Benaulim. The accused, however, has firmly denied the charges, terming them as baseless and motivated.
