MARGAO: The Margao Municipal Council on Tuesday was pulled up by Lokayukta Judge P K. Mishra, for what was seen as a deliberate attempt to buy time and cause delay in the proceedings.
At the hearing of the Fake Tender case of Margao Municipal Council, Judge Mishra questioned the counsel of the MMC for the inordinate delay in filing a written statement in the matter before the Lokayukta, based on the allegations of the Shadow Council for Margao.
It may be recalled that the Anti Corruption Ombudsman , the Lokayukta, had taken Suo Moto cognizance over the fake tender issue of Margao Municipal Council, as alleged by citizens of Margao under the banner of Shadow Council for Margao.
Accordingly, notices were served to the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA) and the Chairperson/Chief officer of MMC. However, on previous dates, time was sought by the respondents for engaging lawyers. During the last hearing on July 14, the Lokayukta had in clear terms asked the counsel of the MMC to file their say at Tuesday’s hearing. However, as the counsel’s for the Chairperson and Chief Officer made a plea for more time, a visibly perturbed Lokayukta, said that he very well understands the attempts of the respondents to buy time. At one point the Lokayukta said that he will concede to the request for time, and said he will fix the matter for Wednesday. To the alibi that the files are in the possession of the DMA’s office, the Lokayukta pointed out that it is always practice to maintain a backup copy if any file is called for by any authority.
While giving a last opportunity to the Council, P. K. Mishra stated that whatever statements and submissions are to be made, should be done on the August 19, 2020, at the next hearing.
