Margao, Feb 18: Demanding forthwith revocation of the suspension of Judge Desmond D’Costa, an impressive rally-cum-public meeting of advocates and citizens on Friday demanded justice for the suspended judge within 15 days and rooted for an independent High Court for Goa.
The meeting held at the historic Lohia Maidan here this evening resolved to intensify the agitation after 15 days if justice is not done to Judge D’Costa.
“The High Court has requested the advocates to grant 10-15 days to inquire into the issue. We have agreed to give time, but we will chalk out our future course of action and intensify the agitation if justice is not done within 15 days”, thundered president of South Goa Advocates Association, Adv Anacleto Viegas.
The meeting further resolved that the report filed by the inquiry officer in the case of charges against Judge Anuja Prabhudessai be accepted and the disciplinary proceedings be closed within the shortest period of time.
The meeting further demanded an inquiry against Judge Utkarsh V Bakre for intentionally filing incorrect, misleading and biased report against Judge D’Costa and for false and misleading statements made to the members of Advocates Association in connection with the suspension of Judge D’Costa.
Speaker after speaker strongly rooted for an independent High Court for Goa in consonance with Article 214 & 215 of the Constitution of India.
In his spirited address, Adv Viegas said the advocates are not afraid of Contempt of court as it is the constitutional right to demand an independent High Court. “No one can haul us for demanding a separate High Court. We are not demanding an independent High Court because of Judge Desmond or Anuja Prabhudesai, but the Constitution mandates that every State should have its own High Court”, he asserted.
Social activist, Mohandas Lolienkar said lawyers and citizens need not worry about contempt of court, adding “let us face anything to ensure a good Judiciary in Goa”.
Eminent city-based cardiologist, Dr Francisco Colaco said that Judge D’Costa has been above board, and yet has been wrongfully suspended. “The wrong done to Judge D’Costa has to be set right. He must be reinstated”, he asserted.
In his address, Adv Radharao Gracias said the Judiciary will lose a good judge if the High Court does not do justice to Judge D’Costa. He also demanded that the seniority of Judge Anuja Prabhudesai be restored, while supporting an independent High Court for Goa in Margao. Adv Radharao demanded to know whether Judge Bakre is liable for suspension as the anticipatory bail granted by the Judge to John Fernandes was set aside not just by the High court, but by the Supreme Court as well.
Adv Shanti Fonseca said advocates need not fear of victimization and demanded to know why suspension of Judges came just on the eve of their promotions. “The issue before us is much larger. It is indeed frightening when Judges go corrupt. The Court has erred in the case of Judge D’Costa”, she said, adding “we are going to fight and not succumb”.
Adv Rajiv Gomes said there is no bar on any Judge to pass judgment on the same day, adding that a session judge is required to give precedence to murder case over all other cases and dispose off the cases expeditiously. He said the suspension of Judge D’Costa is a conspiracy to eliminate good Goan judges from going to the High Court.
While calling upon advocates and citizens to join hands to fight against corruption, Dr Jorson Fernandes said “Today, it is Judge Anuja and Desmond. Tomorrow, it can be anyone else”.
Adv Mike Mehta, Adv Amey Prabhudessai, Roland Martins, Adv Shrikant Naik, Adv Shruti Kothari, Adv Ashok Naik, Adv Uday, Sabina Martins, Adv Avdhut Arsekar and others also spoke.
Earlier, the advocates assembled at the South Goa district Court premises and later took out a rally which went through the city before culminating at the Lohia Maidan.
