Panaji, Aug 3 (IANS): Social activist Aires Rodrigues has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his intervention in the "very high-handed move" to grant pardon under Article 161 of the constitution of India to Goa's convicted former rural development minister Francisco 'Mickky' Pacheco.

"The move to grant Pacheco pardon is a clear abuse of power in derailing the due process of law and making a mockery of the judicial system," Rodrigues writes in the letter.

The letter, which was faxed and emailed to Modi, urges the Prime Minister to seek an explanation from chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar for "hurriedly moving" the proposal to pardon Pacheco. The letter also highlights that Pacheco was absconding for two months prior to being arrested and incarcerated for assaulting an electricity department official.

"Parsekar has gone overboard in processing Pacheco's pardon which was contrary to the BJP's promise of good governance," Rodrigues said.

The power of pardon can be exercised only to help save an innocent person from being punished due to miscarriage of justice or in a case of doubtful conviction, Rodrigues said while pointing out that Pacheco's parole application was strongly opposed by the police and that the advocate general's and law department's opinion had not been sought.