3 days Ago By Fiji Sun News
The High Court in Suva has set a hearing date to hear the strike out application of former Director of Public Prosecutions, Neelraj Sharma. The application is in relation to compensation claims of $800,244 million made by Veronica Malani against 11 people who were involved in the investigation process of the alleged 1987 bombing case in 2020. All lawyers were present before Justice Usaia Ratuvili at the High Court in Suva on Wednesday.
During that proceeding, Sharma’s lawyer, Ronal Singh had informed the court that they were ready to take a hearing date, however, Malani was given more time to ensure her lawyer, Sitiveni Raikanikoda was present in court. As of Wednesday, Justice Ratuvili set the hearing date to December 11 where all parties are to make their submission before the hearing date. While submitting to the court orders, Mr Raikanikoda has also raised issues about the defence not following the proper civil proceeding procedures.
He said none of the defence lawyers filed a statement of defence after they were issued the writ of summons. Instead, they went straight to filing a strike out application. He questioned in court the representation of former acting Police Commissioner, Rusiate Tudravu and retired assistant Police Commissioner (ACP) Crime, Biu Matavou, who are the fifth and sixth defendants.
He told the court they were retired government workers; however, they were represented by the Office of the Attorney-General. He asked the court if they should be getting a legal representative and filing submissions too since their lawsuit includes them as well. Justice Ratuvili said at this stage, whether they appeared or not, the trial will go on.
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