Hearing has been adjourned to June 5

Margao: Principal district judge Irshad Agha on Friday granted exemption to Revenue Minister Atanasio Monserrate from appearing in person, unless required by the court in connection with the rape of minor girl. The hearing has been adjourned to June 5.

The counsel for Monserrate had submitted an application last week seeking exemption from appearing in person in connection with the case.

The prosecution on Friday submitted its say objecting to the exemption however the judge granted conditional exemption and Monserrate has been asked to appear whenever required by the court in person or could attend the hearing through video-conferencing.

The counsel for Monserrate said, “We are not disputing the identity and he will be present either in person or through video-conferencing as and when required by the court.”

Meanwhile, the minor girl will depose before the court on June 5 to record her statements. After the girl is examined and the cross examination is done, the court will decide the schedule for examination of other witnesses. The public prosecutor has given a list of 20 witnesses who he first wants to examine in connection with the case. Hearing in the case will be fast tracked and will be taken up on every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. after the courts resume from the summer break.

Meanwhile, hearing in the power rebate scam in which former power minister Mauvin Godinho is the prime accused came up for hearing on Friday with two witnesses examined. The next hearing will be held on June 9. The judge also granted exemption to Godinho from appearing in person whenever required by the court or through video-conferencing.