Panaji: The Bombay high court adjourned to March 23 the case filed by the Anti Corruption Branch (ACB) in the Pandurang Madkaikar corruption allegation matter. The ACB approached the HC after a lower court directed that an FIR be registered on a petition filed by activist Kashinath Shetye.Last year, former minister and BJP leader Pandurang Madkaikar alleged that he paid Rs 15 to 20 lakh to get his work done, claiming that ministers were “only busy counting money.” The special judge under the Prevention of Corruption Act, North Goa, had directed ACB and Vigilance to register an FIR and conduct an investigation into Madkaikar’s statements.Challenging the order, the ACB told the Bombay high court that it was passed without jurisdiction. It questioned the powers of the Special Judge under the Prevention of Corruption Act to act as a magistrate and direct registration of an FIR.The ACB said its reply was not considered and claimed the bribery allegation arose from a misunderstanding over land conversion fees to govt.
