From Rubiya Shaikh
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Sep 15: Utt Geonkara spokesman Aires Rodrigues filed a complaint before the Deputy Collector and Returning Officer Sabaji Shetye against Education Minister Antanasio Monseratte (Babush) for having filed a false affidavit about his educational qualifications.

Rodrigues has in his complaint stated that at the Goa Legislative Assembly elections held in May 2007, Monseratte had filed his nomination papers from 11 – Taliegao Assembly Constituency and that along with the nominations papers, Monseratte had filed an affidavit as required by law which needs to disclose amongst other things the candidate`s educational qualifications.

Rodrigues has stated that though it was required that every candidate should state name of school/university and the year in which the course was completed, that Monseratte merely stated that his educational qualifications was S S C from St Theresa`s High School, Bandra, Mumbai, without disclosing the year of passing.

Rodrigues has further stated that a letter received from the Headmaster of that school has now revealed that Monseratte was admitted to St. Theresa`s High School, Bandra on 19th June 1975 in 6th std and had left the school half way on 7th September 1978 while in 8th std.

Rodrigues has stated that a perusal of the affidavit filed by Monseratte and the letter from the headmaster clearly establishes that the information given on oath by Monseratte in his affidavit was false.

Rodrigues has stated that Section 125A of the Representation of People`s Act 1951 deals with the penal provisions for furnishing false information in an affidavit and that Section 177 and Section 199 of the Indian Penal Code contain the penal provision for furnishing false information and for making a false declaration to a public servant.

Rodrigues has drawn the Returning Officer`s attention to the guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India on 2 June 2004 that when any complaint regarding furnishing of false information by any candidate is submitted by anyone, supported by documentary evidence, that the Returning Officer should initiate action to prosecute the candidate concerned.

Rodrigues has called upon the Returning Officer that after perusing the complaint and holding an inquiry, if need be, to take immediate action as per the law against Babush Monseratte.