SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024
Team Herald
South Goa Sessions Court has granted permission for Revenue Minister Atanasio Monserrate and his wife, MLA Jennifer, to apply for a non-immigrant visa. This decision comes amidst accusations against the couple regarding an alleged attack on the Panaji Police Station.
Sessions Judge Irshad Agha has clarified that the court has no objection if the Regional Passport Office issues a certificate of no objection to the US Consulate General in Mumbai. However, he emphasized that the approval of their visa applications does not entail unrestricted travel abroad without the court's consent.
The application for permission to apply for a visa was submitted by the Revenue Minister, who cited health reasons necessitating travel to the United States for medical advice. Jennifer, his wife, filed a separate application stating the need to accompany her husband and other family members for consultations.
While the couple requested specific instructions to the Regional Passport Office for the issuance of a No Objection Certificate to the US Consulate General in Mumbai, the court ruled that it could not provide such instructions since the Regional Passport Office was not party to the proceedings. However, the court stated that a No Objection Certificate could be issued in their favor, facilitating the visa application process.
Judge Agha further mentioned that presenting the court's order to the regional passport office might suffice to proceed with the applicants' request for a non-immigrant visa. Nonetheless, he emphasized that the couple must furnish a copy of their visa to the court within 15 days of obtaining it for record-keeping purposes. This provision ensures transparency and accountability throughout the process.
