From Rubiya Shaikh
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
 
Panaji, Sep 22: Panaji`s Chief Judicial Magistrate will hear on September 22 the criminal complaint filed by Utt Goenkara spokesmen Aires Rodrigues against Goa`s Education Minister Antanasio Monseratte (Babush) for having filed a false affidavit that he had passed SSC and also a false declaration to the Goa Legislative Secretariat that he was S Y BA though he had only passed the 7th std.
 
It may be recalled that on 11th September, Rodrigues had lodged a complaint against Babush Monseratte with the Panaji Police who advised Aires to approach the Court as the offences allegedly committed by Monsratte being technically non – cognizable could be investigated only with the permission of a Magistrate.
 
Rodrigues in his complaint to the Magistrate stated that Babush Monseratte had filed a false affidavit stating that he passed the SSC examination from St Theresa`s High School, Bandra, Bombay though he had left school half way while still in the 8th std.
 
Rodrigues has stated that Monseratte had also filed a false declaration before the Secretary, Goa Legislative Assembly that he was S Y BA.
 
Submitting all the documentary evidence to the court, Rodrigues has stated that Monseratte had committed offences punishable under Section 199, 181 and 171(G) of the Indian Penal Code.
 
Rodrigues has stated that due to the political clout that Monseratte wielded by virtue of being the Education Minister of Goa, the police instead of directly seeking permission of the court to investigate the case, had shifted the burden on him.
 
Stating that grave offences have been committed by a person in the high echelons of power, Rodrigues has submitted that all persons must be treated equally in law and that Monseratte can be no exception even though he may be the Education Minister of Goa.
 
Rodrigues has prayed that the Police Inspector of Panaji Police Station be directed to expeditiously investigate the offences committed by Monseratte and upon completion of investigation to lodge a report to enable the court to take action and punish Monseratte in accordance with law for the offences.