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Illustration of Court Orders Lawyer Presence for Hearing Date

Court Drama: Lawyer’s Absence Causes Delays in High-Stakes Case

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The High Court in Suva has mandated that Veronica Malani must have her attorney present in the upcoming court session to schedule a hearing date. During a recent appearance before Justice Usaia Ratuvili, Malani was without her lawyer, Sitiveni Raikanikoda, who was otherwise occupied at the Nasinu Magistrate’s Court.

Frustrated, defense attorney Ronal Singh pointed out that they had submitted their strike-out application along with other necessary documents and were prepared to set a hearing date. He expressed concern that this was not the first occasion Mr. Raikanikoda had missed court proceedings and noted that he failed to propose any potential hearing dates in his absence.

The Attorney-General’s office has been allotted a period of 14 days to file their application to dismiss Malani’s substantial claim of $800,244 million. Additionally, lawyer Mohammed Saneem indicated they were not ready to make the same application, citing procedural inadequacies.

Justice Ratuvili has postponed the case until next Wednesday, when a hearing date is expected to be determined. Malani’s lawsuit is against 11 individuals involved in the investigation of the significant 1987 bombing case.

This situation illustrates the complexities and challenges often encountered in legal proceedings, emphasizing the importance of legal representation and timely communication. As the case progresses, there remains a commitment within the judicial system to ensure that all parties are adequately represented, aiming for a fair resolution in this significant matter. With the next hearing on the horizon, there is hope for clarity and progress in the case, allowing both sides to present their arguments effectively.


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