log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline FRIDAY FEBRUARY 16, 2024 GOA Facebook.com/thegoan The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 14 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME IX, NO. 239 Margao sewage line in place, but households remain disconnected 2 GOA GSPCB makes CCTV cameras mandatory for stone crushing units 3 Instagram.com/thegoanonline RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 INFO The self-care combo: Haircare, skincare and wellness tricks SC strikes down electoral bonds scheme, calls it unconstitutional ORDERS DISCLOSURE OF DONORS, AMOUNT & RECIPIENTS PTI NEW DELHI In a landmark verdict just months ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, the Supreme Court on Thursday scrapped the Centre’s electoral bonds scheme of anonymous political funding, calling it “unconstitutional” and ordering disclosure of the bond’s donors, amount and recipients by March 13. Holding that the 2018 scheme was “violative” of the constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression and right to information, a five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud also rejected the Centre’s contention that it was meant to bring about transparency and curb black money in political funding. The verdict was seen as a blow to the Modi government. Ordering closure of the controversial scheme forthwith, the top court also directed the State Bank of India (SBI), the authorised financial insti- IN SHORT >> Matrimonial dispute surfaces in Dubai PANAJI: A woman from Sanquelim has accused her husband and his family, originally from Tamil Nadu of domestic violence while she was living in her marital home in Dubai. The victim, Kaymat Garu claimed she was even forcibly evicted from there and subsequently flew back to her parents’ place filing a police complaint.  >> See pg 3 Rape convict gets 10 years in jail PANAJI: The Fast Track Special Court in Panaji has awarded 10-year imprisonment to a man convicted of rape, despite the victim expressing her wish to not continue with the case during the trial. The accused, reportedly in a decade-long relationship with the victim, is charged with raping her under the guise of marriage and thereafter threatening to defame her. >> See pg 3 WEATHER >> Max: 33 C Min: 22 C Humidity: 88% TIDES Low: High: 09:41 21:36 02:45 16:45 KEY SUPREME COURT OBSERVATIONS „„Election Commission should publish information provided by SBI on its official website by March 13 „„Scheme violates right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) of Constitution „„Infringes upon the right to information of the voter by hiding the identity of the donors „„Declared as invalid the amendments made in various laws, including the „„It should also submit details of political parties which have received donations through electoral bonds since April 12, 2019 till date Representation of Peoples Act and Income Tax laws „„SBI should stop issuing electoral bonds and submit details of bonds bought since April 12, 2019 till date to EC tution under the scheme, to submit by March 6 the details of electoral bonds purchased since April 12, 2019 till date to the Election Commission of India (ECI), which will publish the information on its official website by March 13. It ordered that uncashed electoral bonds, which are within the validity period of 15 days, shall be returned by the political party or the purchaser to the issuing bank which in turn shall refund the amount to the purchaser’s account. “At a primary level, political contributions give a ‘’seat at the table’’ to the contributor. That is, it enhances access to legislators. This access also translates into influence over policy-making, said the bench FACT FILE: The scheme, which was announced by the government on January 2, 2018, was proposed as an alternative to cash donations made to political parties as part of efforts to bring transparency in political funding also comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna, B R Gavai, J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra. “An economically affluent person has a higher ability to make financial contributions to political parties, and there is a legitimate possibility that financial contribution to a political party would lead to quid pro quo arrangements because of the close nexus THE MAJOR BENEFICIARIES „„BJP: Rs 6,566.11 crore „„Congress: Rs 1,123.3 crore „„TMC: Rs 1,092.98 crore between money and politics,” the top court said delivering its two separate but unanimous verdicts cumulatively spanning 232 pages. The top court also accorded primacy to the right to know of voters over the privacy claims of donors, saying it is “paramount” for free and fair election and democracy. The judgement referred to the annual audit reports of political parties from 2017-18 to 2022-23 which showed party-wise donations received through electoral bonds. Of the Rs 12,000 crore, the BJP received Rs 6,566.11 crore during this period, while the Congress got Rs 1,123.3 crore, according to the reports. The TMC received in its kitty Rs 1,092.98 crore in the same period. 9 PANAJI The State government has taken its plan to declare seven sites as ‘protected monuments’ a step forward and issued a  draft notification stating its intention and inviting  objections and suggestions.  The sites mentioned in the notification issued by the State Archives department include Nanus Fort in Sattari taluka from where freedom fighter Deepaji Rane began his revolt against Portuguese rule in 1852. The residence of Rane in Kumbharkhan in Sattari has also been included as a protected site under Goa Ancient Monuments and Archeological Sites and Remains Act 1978. Betul Fort in South Goa’s Quepem taluka, which was built on the orders of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the 17th century, has also THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI While on one side the leaders of Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Scheduled Caste (SCs) communities are busy fighting for political reservation, people belonging to these backward castes are waiting for justice from atrocities, with nearly 50 per cent of such cases pending disposal since over the last one decade. As many as 502 cases of atrocities against SC and ST were filed with the ST & SC Commission from 2011-12 to 2022-23, of which 248 are pending disposal. The Commission has closed 264 cases as of last year. The data clearly shows that the atrocity cases have witnessed a rise over the years. The maximum number of 88 cases was reported in the year 2020-21 and in 2017-18, that saw 73 cases. It was in 2011-12 that reported the least number of 11 cases. The year 2020-21 and 202122 saw a large number of cases being settled by the Commission. Altogether 118 were closed in these two years NO FAIR PLAY YET „„502 cases of atrocities against SCs & STs filed with ST & SC Commission from 2011-12 to 2022-23 „„248 of these cases are pending disposal „„Commission has closed 264 cases as of last year „„Data shows that atrocity cases have witnessed a rise over the years „„Maximum number of 88 cases was reported in the year 2020-21 „„2011-12 reported the least number of 11 cases „„2020-21 and 2021-22 saw large number of cases being settled „„Altogether 118 were closed in these two years alone, while remaining 146 cases were disposed off in a period of ten years alone, while the remaining 146 cases were disposed off in a period of ten years. According to the Commission, the word ‘Atrocity’ has not been defined in the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (prevention of atrocities) Act 1989. However, the Act has specified the offences punishable under the Act such as intent to cause injury, insult or annoyance, wrongfully occupies or cultivates land belonging to this com- munity, outrages modesty, denial of customary rights, etc. “While filing complainants at the police station, it is observed that ST or SC people fail to mention the Caste name and also fail to produce certificate, due to which the police are unable to register the FIR under the Act and thus avoids immediate arrest,” the Commission pointed out adding that the Commission too takes >Continued on P5 SMART CITY TO BE DEVELOPED AS SOLAR CITY Goa will get uninterrupted power before monsoon, claims Dhavalikar THE SEVEN SITES been included. The other sites notified are rock engraving at Mauxi in Sattari taluka, stone circle at Baddem Cotigao in South Goa, Soliye Temple at Cola in Canacona and Tank of Shree Vazreshwar Temple at Shree Shantadurga Ballikarin Saunsthan. In the  draft notification, a two-month period is earmarked in which interested citizens can forward their objections to the declaration to the Director of Archaeology. 14 Nearly 50% cases yet to be disposed off Govt issues draft notification „„Betul Fort, Nanus Fort, Rock Engravings at Mauxi, Stone Circle at Baddem, Cotigao, Kranti Veer Deepaji Rane’s house at Kumbharkhand, Sattari, Soliye Temple and tank of Shri Vazreshwar temple at Shree Shantadurga Ballikarin Sausthan Rohit & Jadeja’s tons, Sarfaraz’s sizzling debut save India’s blushes 10 years on, STs, SCs still cry for justice against atrocities Seven monuments across Goa to get ‘protected’ tag THE GOAN I NETWORK SPORTS THE GOAN I NETWORK SEASON’S DELIGHT: Tender cashew nuts take shape as the trees bear the season’s first fruit. A much sought-after delicacy, also known as ‘Bibbe’, are available for a few months during the summer.  Narayan Pissurlenkar Clampdown on illegal structures begins at Anjuna beach, 5 sealed THE GOAN I NETWORK MAPUSA The Block Development Officer and the Panchayat began sealing illegal structures on Anjuna beach which were constructed without valid permits in Non-Development Zone. Five establishments were sealed in the presence of a police team on Thursday. The High Court of Bombay at Goa had issued directives to take action against 175 commercial establishments which were illegally constructed on Anjuna beach, and had also directed authorities concerned to submit their action report within 10 days. Acting on the HC directives, the Block Development Officer and the Panchayat started taking action against these establishments from Thursday. A team along with Anjuna Panchayat secretary Jitendra Naik and the extension officer at the Block Development Office, Shirishkumar Tari, conducted the panchanama and sealed five establishments under police protection. The process will continue on Friday. Meanwhile, there have been speculations that some officers are showing >Continued on P5 PANAJI The Union Ministry for New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) will spend Rs 541 crore to develop Goa’s capital city Panaji as ‘Solar city’. As per the information released by the Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA),  the total investment estimated under the Master Plan for Solar City in Panaji is Rs 541.33 crores, of which Rs 290.32 crores would be spent for implementation of renewable energy strategies and Rs 251.01 crores for energy efficiency strategies. At present, Panaji’s daily electricity demand is 128 MW. Under  Panaji’s Solar City Master Plan, the Ministry plans to reduce conventional energy demand by 10 per cent through energy-efficiency measures. Also the electricity generated by solar energy will be used for commercial and domestic energy use. THE SOLAR WAY „„Rs 541.33 crore earmarked under Master Plan for Solar City in Panaji „„Rs 290.32 crore to be spent for implementation of renewable energy strategies „„Rs 251.01 crore for energy efficiency strategies „„At present, Panaji’s daily electricity demand is 128 MW GEDA PROPOSES 100 MW WIND POWER PROJECT, INVITES EOI >> See pg 3 The city has been identified under various zones to take up solar rooftop projects on government, educational and commercial buildings. >Continued on P5 Huge quantity of booze seized Goa awaits arrival of two key police officials in raid at Poinguinim forest 17 DAYS AFTER TRANSFER OF AGMUT OFFICERS… THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI mid a major reshuffle among officers -- from Police Sub Inspectors right up to the Deputy Superintendents of Police, an important question looms large, what about the replacements for the three IPS officers who were transferred to Delhi and have also assumed their new postings? Deputy Inspector General of Police Aslam Khan, along with Superintendents of Police Nidhin Valsan and Abhishek Dhani, were relocated to Delhi as part of a major reshuffle among AGMUT officers on January 29. Sources said these officers were abruptly relieved on February 10 while their replacements Rohit Rajbir Singh A IPS Koan’s case: MHA warns against political influence PANAJI: With a warning to refrain from using political connections, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had just recently directed suspended IPS Officer A Koan to submit his defense in connection with the ‘misconduct and misbehaviour’ allegations. “The Disciplinary Authority proposes to hold an inquiry against Dr A Koan, IPS (AGMUT 2009) (under suspension)… He is directed to submit a written statement in his defense within 15 days of receipt of this memorandum and also to state whether he desires to be heard in person,” and Rahul Gupta -- transferred from Arunachal Pradesh – are yet to be relieved by its government. While Goa Police has made reads the official letter dated January 31, 2024. The memorandum has also cited Rule 18 of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968 under which no government servant shall bring or attempt to bring any political or external influence on the superior authority pertaining to the service matters. “If any representation is received on his (Koan) behalf… it will be presumed that Dr A Koan is aware of such a representation and action will be taken against him for the Rule violation,” it adds. temporary arrangements by assigning Traffic SP Akshat Kaushal as the North Goa in charge, the officer holds three other charges, including Crime Branch, Central Procurement Cell, and the Cyber Crime Cell. SP Sunita Sawant has been assigned the South SP charge, and is also holding other addi- tional charges. On the other hand, with DIG Aslam Khan’s transfer, the two DIG posts remain vacant. Khan was holding a dual charge following DIG A Koan’s suspension in August 2023 over allegations of inappropriate behaviour with a woman at a late-night party in a Baga pub. Seven months into his suspension, The Goan has reliably learnt that the Ministry of Home Affairs has extended his suspension period. He continues to report to the police headquarters in Panaji until further orders. “Koan is set to face an inquiry, ordered by the MHA... For now proceedings are underway to initiate an inquiry,” a senior officer said. In the recent past, the State >Continued on P5 4 nabbed in hot chase near K’taka border THE GOAN I NETWORK CANACONA Canacona police busted a major liquor racket after raiding three sites in the Tirval forest at Poinguinim, about 500 metres away from Karnataka border, and seized liquor worth Rs 9.74 lakh. Eight persons have been detained in this connection. Four persons from across the border were intercepted while carrying headloads of liquor bags and after a hot chase, Canacona police nabbed them barely metres inside Goa’s border from Karnataka. The store houses belong to The seized liquor worth Rs 9.74 lakh was being carried towards the Karnataka border through the Tirval forest in Cotigao wildlife sanctuary three different persons and four people have also been detained by Canacona police. Canacona SDPO DySP Tikam Singh Verma, IPS, and Canacona PI Chandrakant Gawas had personally supervised the operations in the Tirval forests at about 5 am on Thursday Both officers had braved the chilly weather in the wee hours and travelled on two motorcycles in the area, where there is no mobile network coverage. Narrating the sequence of events to media persons at the Canacona police station, DySP Verma said it was a regular check in view of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. “We found some persons moving in a suspicious manner in an isolated area known to be frequented by some anti-social people. Our team followed them and after waiting for some time, we found some persons carrying headloads of liquor bags towards the Karnataka border through the >Continued on P5