Amid growing controversy surrounding Union Minister Smriti Irani's daughter, Goa's excise commissioner on Friday, 29 July, directed the licence holder of 'Silly Souls Cafe and Bar' to file their response to the complaint on alleged irregularities in the licencing of the upmarket restaurant in Assagao.
The complaint filed by lawyer-activist Aires Rodrigues alleged that the licence to run the restaurant was obtained "illegally" and that it was renewed this year in the name of a person who died in 2021.
After hearing Rodrigues and advocate Benny Nazareth, representing the family of the liquor licence holder late Anthony Dgama, Excise Commissioner Narayan Gad framed two issues for determination: the first issue being as to whether the excise licence was obtained by submitting false and inadequate documents and by misrepresenting facts; the second issue being whether there were procedural irregularities on the part of the excise officials.
The hearing was adjourned to 22 August.
The controversial restaurant is allegedly operated by Irani's daughter Zoish Irani.