MARGAO: In a blow to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Goa, the Administrative Tribunal has ruled against Hanzel Fernandes, the party’s sole Zilla Panchayat (ZP) member. Last year, the High Court of Bombay at Goa had declared the OBC certificate issued to AAP’s Benaulim ZP member, Hanzel Fernandes, as invalid. The HC based its decision on the grounds that the Christian Mesta community, to which Fernandes belongs, is not included in the State OBC list.
The HC’s verdict boosted the petition filed by Congress candidate Royla Fernandes before the Administrative Tribunal, seeking Hanzel’s disqualification on the plea that he does not fall under the OBC category. Royla also petitioned the Administrative Tribunal to declare her elected as the new Benaulim ZP member following Hanzel’s disqualification.
“The Administrative Tribunal today has pronounced the disqualification of Benaulim ZP. I’m awaiting the order of the Honourable Administrative Tribunal to know details of the order,” said Royla on Thursday.
The order was passed on January 11, 2024, while the case (no 1/2021) had been filed on January 11, 2021.
“Truth has prevailed after a three-year-long battle. I thank the honourable High Court for justice with respect to the Caste Certificate of ZP of Benaulim, which was endorsed by the Administrative Tribunal cancelling his election,” added Royla. It remains to be seen if Royla is announced as the new ZP member.
When contacted, Hanzel stated that his party is handling the matter.
After the HC verdict, AAP leaders had talked about appealing the decision with the Supreme Court. Hanzel’s legal counsel had applied for a stay of the HC order for six weeks, but the HC did not grant the request, reiterating that ‘the respondent belongs to the class included in the State list of OBC.’
AAP defended Fernandes, stating that he would appeal before the Supreme Court.
Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas said, “We stand by Hanzel Fernandes. We have already approached the Supreme Court. We will try to ensure that a fair judgment is given to Hanzel. Many from the Christian Mesta Community have become doctors and engineers. This government does not care for those belonging to OBC, SC, and ST communities. Now the government should defend itself because the certificate was given by the government.”
Viegas alleged that the State government is responsible for the mess created on the issue, highlighting that an OBC certificate was initially granted to Hanzel Fernandes by the then government in 2010. Furthermore, when Fernandes applied for a new certificate in 2020, the present government once again issued him an OBC certificate.
