The Advocates Association of South Goa (AASG), agitating against the suspension of additional district judge Desmond D'Costa, on Wednesday petitioned the President, the Chief Justice of India and the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court seeking their intervention to do him justice. (Mr. D'Costa was recently in the news after he acquitted alleged serial killer Mahanand Naik in a criminal case. He delivered the judgment after he was entrusted with administrative and judicial work in the absence of presiding judge U. V. Bakre.)
In a petition, signed by AASG president Anacleto Viegas, copies of which have been released to the media, it has been pleaded that Mr. D'Costa's suspension be revoked forthwith and if at all any inquiry is to be conducted against him, it should be completed within 15 days.
Advocates across the State, with the backing of citizens' groups and activists, have been rallying behind Mr. D'Costa.
ADVERTISEMENT
The petition has also demanded that the report of the inquiry officer — appointed for a probe against another district and sessions judge Anuja Prabhudesai, who was earlier suspended and later reinstated — be accepted.
Lawyers and citizens' groups have been protesting against a recent move of the High Court disciplinary committee to issue fresh notice to her.
The petition has said the judicial officers are feeling traumatised. Article 325 of the Constitution is being misused to victimise and demoralise honest, upright and knowledgeable judicial officers, it alleged.
ADVERTISEMENT
The association has demanded action against the principal judge who has reported against Mr. D'Costa.