The Magistrate’s court in Labasa has directed the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to return $20,000 to businessman Sanjeev Reddy, who was previously issued a Traffic Infringement Notice (TIN). Reddy, 50, appeared before Magistrate Safaira Ratu on multiple occasions, represented by attorney John Prasad.
The TINs were issued to Reddy for various infractions, starting with a $2,000 fine in July 2019 for allowing another individual to operate a vehicle with an improper mass and load. Subsequently, he received two additional notices amounting to $13,000 and $5,000. This financial burden led Reddy to close his trucking business and pivot to running a shop to support himself.
In her ruling, Magistrate Ratu found that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove the charges against Reddy. She raised doubts about the qualifications of the prosecution’s witness and ultimately determined that no court could substantiate a conviction based on the evidence presented. Consequently, she not only dismissed the TINs but acquitted Reddy, instructing the LTA to refund the fines he had paid within 21 days.
This ruling underscores the importance of due process and the need for solid evidence in traffic enforcement cases. It serves as a reminder that maintaining fair legal proceedings is essential in protecting the rights of individuals, particularly in instances where a person’s livelihood is at stake.
With the court’s decision, Reddy can now look forward to rebuilding his business and hopefully resuming a more stable and prosperous future.
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