TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: The State government has given permission to allow proceedings against Bicholim MLA Naresh Sawal, an official said.
Then Bicholim Mamlatdar Chandrakant Shetgaokar (now posted in Pernem) had served Sawal a defamation notice and asked for permission to proceed against the MLA after both were involved in an altercation with the MLA demanding an apology from Shetgaokar and also moving a breach of privilege motion against him.
“Yes today the permission was given as per the conduct rules,” under secretary personnel, U Joshi told Herald.
Shetgaokar had sought an unconditional apology for alleged defamatory statements made against him by Sawal and his notice said that “On account of false, malicious and defamatory statements, it is apparent that the statements were made and published jointly and severally for the purpose of utterly defaming my client with malicious intent.” The notice had also threatened that criminal and civil cases would also be filed against him, in case the MLA did not respond.
“Yes it is correct,” Shetgaokar told Herald, adding, “I will file a private criminal complaint before the court for defamation.”
The controversy apparently erupted after some women in Mulgao filed a complaint against the Mamlatdar for misbehaving, apparently after being instigated by the MLA.
