The High Court of Bombay at Goa is set to hear a Criminal Revision Application filed by the State of Goa, contesting a Special Court order that directed the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to register an FIR against former minister Pandurang Madkaikar over bribery allegations.
The case stems from a viral video in which Madkaikar claimed he paid ₹15–20 lakh to get government files cleared. The statement drew widespread public criticism and led activist Kashinath Shetye and others to seek action under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Although the ACB conducted an internal inquiry and concluded there was no prima facie case—citing Madkaikar’s later clarification that the money was paid as official fees and penalties—the Special Court ruled that the video alone merited registration of an FIR. The court stated that the truth of Madkaikar’s remarks could only be tested through a formal investigation and warned that avoiding an FIR could mislead the public and erode institutional trust.
In its revision plea, the State argues the Special Judge exceeded jurisdiction by invoking Section 175 of the BNSS, contending that such powers lie solely with Magistrates, not Special Courts under the Prevention of Corruption Act. It also claims the order ignored the ACB’s findings and violated due process.
Justice Valmiki Menezes issued notices to the respondents on June 26, with the next hearing slated for July 1.
The case highlights the ongoing friction between the judiciary’s push for accountability, investigative discretion, and public expectations in high-profile political corruption matters in Goa.