Daijiworld Media Network - Goa (mb)
from special correspondent

Panaji, Jan 11: The local court on Friday dismissed an application filed by Goa's Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane seeking a stay of the trial against him for allegedly threatening a social worker.

Aires Rodrigues, a social activist and spokesman of Utt Goenkara organization, had filed a case against the health minister for allegedly threatening him by calling him over his mobile.

Dismissing the Health Minister's application Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Panaji, Edgar Fernandes stated that the procedure as laid down by law was already followed before commencement of trial.
 
Health Minister Rane had earlier on the day filed an application  under section 210 of the Criminal Procedure code seeking that a report on the matter be first sought from the Investigating officer of Old Goa police station before whom the original complaint was filed by Rodrigues on July 31 last year.

Earlier opposing the application, Rodrigues, who himself is fighting his case, submitted that this was yet another attempt by the health minister to delay the trial.

The court earlier had granted exemption for the health minister from appearing before the court on the day as the state legislative assembly had been in session.

The matter is now adjourned to Monday, January 14.