Goa Minister Cleared in 1998 Scam Case
Court acquits Mauvin Godinho in power rebate controversy.
A special court in Goa on Monday acquitted Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho in a high-profile 1998 power rebate case, closing a decades-long legal battle that accused him of causing a Rs 4.52 crore loss to the state exchequer. Godinho, who was the power minister at the time, was present in court as Special Judge Irshad Agha delivered the verdict, clearing him of all charges.
The controversy erupted when then-Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar filed a complaint, alleging that Godinho had illegally granted a 25% electricity tariff rebate to industrial units through a June 27, 1998, notification. Parrikar claimed the decision, made without state cabinet consultation, violated the Rules of Business and facilitated undue concessions from the moment electricity supply began. The Goa crime branch investigated, leading to Godinho’s arrest in May 2001 alongside T Nagarajan, the former chief electrical engineer of the power department.
In 2006, the special court charged Godinho under the Prevention of Corruption Act and Section 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code. The case, which has lingered for over two decades, centered on allegations of financial misconduct and abuse of power. Monday’s acquittal marks a significant victory for Godinho, who has maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings.
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The verdict has sparked discussions about accountability in governance, with some hailing it as justice served, while others question the handling of high-profile corruption cases. As Goa’s Transport Minister, Godinho continues to play a key role in the state’s administration, with this ruling potentially reshaping public and political perceptions of his tenure.
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