Lawyers to inform govt on corruption in Margao, Quepem revenue courts

MARGAO: The South Goa Advocates’ Association at its meeting held on Monday has decided to write to the government against the corruption in the Revenue Courts at Margao and Quepem.  The Association has threatened to even lodge a complaint against the concerned officers under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Briefing media persons, the newly elected president Adv Antonio Clovis da Costa alleged that nothing moves in the revenue courts until and unless bribes are paid to the agents in the departments and added that not only affects the advocates but the public too.

“We demand that the government streamline the process for mutation and partitions as these cases do not move unless bribes are paid to the agents,” he charged, adding that at times it even takes three months for a mere notice to be issued.

He demanded that the government provide proper parking space for advocates and litigants at the new district court under construction. 

“While the demand is for 75 cars, the parking space for only 18 cars has been provided in the new building, which is inadequate,” he claimed and wondered where will the litigants and advocates park their vehicles? The Association has also demanded the filling up of all vacant posts in the courts. 

“At present, the courts are functioning with only 2/3rd the required staff and this is putting a lot of strain and stress on the staff, judicial officers, advocates and the litigants,” he said.

He said the association will write to the Law Minister urging him to fill the vacant posts as soon as possible. 

South Goa Advocates’ Association’s new committee headed by Clovis da Costa has Winston Mascarenahs as vice president, Vinay Patkar as secretary and Kapil Verenkar as treasurer.

The following have been elected on the committee as representatives of specific areas: Margao – Mayur Kudchadkar, Quepem – Rupesh Velip, Sanquem – Paresh Gaonkar, Vasco – Sudhir Naik, Canacona – Tushar Shenvi and Lady Representative – Raisa Fernandes.