Panaji: The High Court of Bombay at Goa has stayed further proceedings arising out of Criminal Case No. IPC/96/2026/F pending before the JMFC ‘F’ Court, Merces, in connection with a complaint filed by Kashinath Jairam Shetye, Executive Engineer, Electricity Department, and social activist.
The complaint had named Rahul Gupta, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Crime Branch; Harischandra Madkaikar, Superintendent of Police, North Goa; Jivba Dalvi, Superintendent of Police; and Tushar Lotliker, Police Inspector, Crime Branch, in connection with allegations relating to the handling of complaints arising from an incident dated 08/05/2026.
The dispute arose out of counter-complaints relating to an alleged assault at Merces. Old Goa Police Station had registered Crime No. 65/2026 on the complaint of Yogesh Tigadi and subsequently Crime No. 66/2026 on the complaint of Kashinath Shetye.
Shetye thereafter approached the JMFC, alleging failure on the part of the police authorities to act upon his complaints, and sought initiation of criminal proceedings against the concerned police officials. The learned JMFC subsequently passed a pre-cognizance order dated 17/06/2026 and issued a notice dated 23/06/2026.
The matter before the JMFC, Merces, was fixed for further hearing on 29/09/2026. However, in the meantime, the State and the concerned police officials approached the High Court challenging the proceedings and seeking appropriate relief, including a stay on the impugned order and further proceedings.
The petition raises, inter alia, issues concerning the exercise of jurisdiction by the learned JMFC, the statutory safeguards applicable to public servants, and allegations relating to acts allegedly performed by the police officials in the discharge of their official duties.
The High Court has now stayed the further proceedings in the matter. Consequently, the proceedings before the JMFC, Merces, including the hearing earlier fixed for 29/09/2026, shall remain subject to the orders of the High Court.
