The Magistrate’s Court in Labasa ruled on Friday that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) must refund businessman Sanjeev Reddy, who was fined a total of $20,000 through multiple Traffic Infringement Notices (TIN). Reddy, a 50-year-old resident of Vunika, Labasa, appeared before Magistrate Safaira Ratu on three occasions, represented by lawyer John Prasad.
The fines included an initial penalty of $2,000 for allowing another individual to drive a vehicle with a non-conforming load on July 17, 2019, followed by additional penalties of $13,000 and $5,000. The imposition of these fines led Reddy to close his trucking business and shift to operating a shop to make ends meet.
In her ruling, Magistrate Ratu examined the evidence presented by Reddy and his witnesses, as well as those from the prosecution. She concluded that the prosecution failed to meet the burden of proof required for a conviction, which led to her decision to dismiss the TINs and acquit Reddy. Furthermore, she raised concerns about the qualifications of a prosecution witness, casting doubt on their ability to provide credible testimony. The LTA has been ordered to reimburse all fines paid by Reddy within 21 days.
This case highlights the importance of fair and thorough legal processes, demonstrating that individuals have the right to contest penalties if due process is not followed. Reddy’s situation serves as a reminder of the challenges small business owners face, but it also signifies a potential turning point, as he can now hopefully rebuild his trucking business with the reimbursement.
Overall, this ruling reflects a commitment to justice and can inspire hope for those who feel wrongly penalized, emphasizing the importance of legal recourse and accountability in governance.
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