MARGAO: Additional Sessions Judge II Sayonara Teles Laad has directed the journalists not to mention the names of the witnesses or report what evidence they depose in the court.
Judge Sayonara laid down the guidelines as the Prosecution had complained that the witnesses reporting the proceedings in the case against Vikat Bhagat, who is charged for rape and murder of Irish girl Danielle McLaughin, are being threatened and said protection of witnesses has to be given paramount importance.
Hence, she directed the journalists not to mention names of the witnesses or report what evidence they depose in the court.
Speaking to journalists, the judge said she was using her discretionary powers to issue the guidelines in order to provide protection to the witnesses.
“The deposition can be reported in general without giving the details as that can be used by other witnesses, who will be deposing later on,” she said.
A panch witnesses deposed partly on Tuesday and the matter has been fixed for further deposition on May 3.
It may be recalled Danielle McLaughin’s body was found at Palolem on March 14, 2017.
