23 Mar 2017 | 08:05pm IST
Karnataka’s Mhadei witness exposed for conflict of interest
PANJIM: Additional Solicitor General Atmaram Nadkarni, appearing on behalf of Goa before the Mhadei Water Dispute Tribunal (MWDT), on Wednesday cross-examined Karnataka’s witness Prof A K Gosain, who stood exposed for his affiliation to the Union Ministry’s expert team constituted to study the carrying capacity of the Karnataka government project across Mhadei tributary.
PANJIM: Additional Solicitor General Atmaram Nadkarni, appearing on behalf of Goa before the Mhadei Water Dispute Tribunal (MWDT), on Wednesday cross-examined Karnataka’s witness Prof A K Gosain, who stood exposed for his affiliation to the Union Ministry’s expert team constituted to study the carrying capacity of the Karnataka government project across Mhadei tributary.
During the cross-examination, Nadkarni confronted the witness with Union Ministry for Environment and Forest (MoEF) memorandum where Gosain was appointed on the panel of experts. “Witness was asked if he has informed the MoEF regarding his conflict of interest. Witness failed to give satisfactory reply,” sources said.
During the hearing, Nadkarni pointed out that the witness’ affidavit was not verified and the report was not signed by him. The objection raised by Karnataka counsel was upheld by the tribunal directing the State to verify the affidavit and sign the report. The cross-examination will continue on Thursday.
On Tuesday, cross-examination of Goa’s witness and hydrology expert Chetan Pandit was held. Pandit had criticized the central water commission data on which Karnataka is relying on, to seek diversion of water from the Mhadei basin.
