Panaji: Goa Excise Commissioner on Friday began the hearing on the complaint filed by an activist-lawyer, who alleged that the licence to run a controversial upmarket restaurant in Assagao in North Goa was obtained "illegally" and that it was renewed this year in the name of a person who died in 2021.
During the hearing, excise commissioner Narayan Gad framed two issues to know whether the excise licence was obtained on the basis of false and inadequate documents and whether there were any procedural irregularities on the part of the excise officials.
The outlet, 'Silly Souls Caf and Bar', was at the centre of a raging controversy after the Congress last week alleged Union minister Smriti Irani's daughter was linked to the property, a charge rejected by her. Activist and lawyer Aires Rodrigues had filed the complaint.
Gad heard Rodrigues and advocate Benny Nazareth, representing the family of the liquor licence holder late Anthony DGama. The hearing for the day, which began at 11 am, concluded around 12.30 pm.
Talking to reporters after the hearing, Rodrigues said the excise commissioner framed two issues for determination - the first being whether the excise licence was obtained on the basis of false or inadequate documents and misrepresentation of facts. The second issue is whether there were procedural irregularities on the part of the excise officials, he said. Directing the licence holder to file their response to these two issues, the excise commissioner adjourned the hearing till August 22.