Team Herald
MARGAO: Eminent writer and businessman Datta Damodar Naik, booked by the Canacona Police for allegedly hurting religious sentiments appeared before the police station on Friday while, the Sessions Court, Margao has posted his anticipatory bail application for orders on Monday, January 13.
Naik along with his legal advisor appeared before the police station following a notice issued to him under Section 35(3) of BNSS 2023. The police recorded his statement and allowed him to go.
The Sessions Court heard the arguments on Naik’s anticipatory bail application and has reserved the matter for order on Monday, January 13 at 2:30 pm. Two complaints have been filed against Naik for hurting religious sentiments through his statements made during the Interview to a TV channel.
Public prosecutor VG Costa who argued on behalf of the prosecution stated that the alleged accused has to comply 35 (3) of BNSS 2023. He pointed out that arguments on merits cannot be entertained at the time of seeking anticipatory bail application.
Representing Naik, senior advocate Cleofato Almeida Coutinho brought to the notice of the Court that no offence was made out. He stated that even if the statement attributed to Naik is accepted it could at the most be defamation. In any case Naik is entitled to his view and what he said in the interview was his opinion, Adv Coutinho said.
Senior Adv Coutinho told the Court that the word “loot” was inadvertent. He said the applicant had agreed to cooperate with the police and will appear before the police.
Meanwhile Canacona police submitted their say before the Sessions Court opposing the anticipatory bail application of Naik. The police have sought his custody to carry out effective and detailed investigation, to collect more evidences into the present case and to take the present case to its logical conclusion. Due to malicious act of the applicant/accused there was tense and law and order situation in every part of the State, the police stated.
The Canacona police further stated that if the applicant was granted anticipatory bail application then there was every possibility that the applicant will threaten the witnesses, who may turn hostile which will make the prosecution case weak and will hamper the investigation. The police have prayed that the anticipatory bail application be rejected.