Veronica Malani’s attorney, Sitiveni Raikanikoda, has been granted 14 days to submit an affidavit in response to a strike-out application filed by the seventh respondent, former Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) lawyer Neelraj Sharma.
The civil case, presented before Justice Usaia Ratuvili at the High Court in Suva, addresses a compensation claim amounting to $800,244 million from 11 individuals associated with the investigation into the alleged bombing case from 1987 that resurfaced in 2020.
The defendants include several former and current members of the Fiji Police Force, as well as the DPP. During the hearing, Mr. Sharma’s attorney, Ronald Singh, informed the court of their strike-out application to eliminate his client from the proceeding, stating that Sharma is now practicing law with Munroe Leys.
Justice Ratuvili instructed Mr. Raikanikoda to address the application, specifically regarding any evidence related to his client’s involvement. Raikanikoda also raised concerns about the lack of representation for two defendants, retired civil servants Rusiate Tudravu, the former Acting Police Commissioner, and Biu Matavou, the retired Assistant Police Commissioner (ACP) of Crime.
Justice Ratuvili indicated that the Office of the Attorney-General would need to clarify this issue in the next hearing. The case has been rescheduled for mention on October 9.