South Goa Sessions Judge Sherin Paul has dismissed an application filed by alleged accused Celine Fernandes seeking discharge from a criminal case, ruling that there is sufficient prima facie evidence to frame charges.
Fernandes had contended that there was no incriminating evidence in the complaint or witness statements linking her to the offence, and argued that no prima facie case had been made out. However, the Public Prosecutor opposed the plea, calling it “bad in law and misconceived”.
The prosecution maintained that evidence on record justified continuation of proceedings and successfully sought the addition of Section 307 of the IPC (Attempt to Murder) to the list of charges. Initially, charges were framed under Sections 326 (Grievous Hurt), 324 (Voluntarily Causing Hurt by Dangerous Weapons), and 504 (Intentional Insult), read with Section 34 (Common Intention). The addition of Section 307 IPC was upheld