The Magistrate’s court in Labasa has ruled in favor of a businessman, Sanjeev Reddy, ordering the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to refund him a total of $20,000 related to Traffic Infringement Notices (TIN) he received. Mr. Reddy, who had to shift from operating his trucking business to running a shop due to the financial strain caused by the fines, appeared in court on three occasions represented by lawyer John Prasad.
The fines included a $2,000 fine issued on July 17, 2019, for allowing someone to operate a vehicle with an improper load, alongside two other fines totaling $18,000. Magistrate Safaira Ratu ultimately found that there was insufficient evidence to support the prosecution’s case against Mr. Reddy. She highlighted concerns about the credibility of the prosecution’s witnesses and their qualifications to testify. As a result, she dismissed the charges, acquitted Mr. Reddy, and mandated LTA to return the fines within 21 days.
This ruling not only brings a sense of justice to Mr. Reddy but also raises important questions about the evidentiary standards and processes involved in enforcing traffic regulations. It reinforces the principle that individuals are entitled to fair treatment and due process under the law, and demonstrates that courts will rigorously evaluate the evidence presented in cases involving financial penalties.
This outcome is a hopeful reminder for those who have faced similar issues, illustrating that the legal system can provide avenues for redress when proper procedures are not followed.
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