The Magistrate’s Court in Labasa has directed the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to refund a businessman, Sanjeev Reddy, who had received a hefty Traffic Infringement Notice (TIN) totaling $20,000. Reddy, a 50-year-old resident of Vunika, Labasa, appeared before Magistrate Safaira Ratu on multiple occasions, represented by attorney John Prasad.
The fines in question stemmed from incidents dating back to July 17, 2019, when Reddy was fined $2,000 for allowing an individual to operate a vehicle with an improper load. He subsequently faced two additional fines amounting to $13,000 and $5,000. These significant penalties forced him to halt operations of his trucking business, pushing him to shift to retail to support his family.
In her ruling, Magistrate Ratu noted that after examining evidence from both Reddy and various witnesses, as well as the prosecution, it was determined that the burden of proof had not been met by the prosecution. She raised concerns about the credibility and qualifications of the prosecution’s witness regarding the matter at hand. Consequently, she dismissed the TINs, acquitted Reddy, and ordered the LTA to refund all fines paid by him within three weeks.
This ruling highlights the importance of fair legal proceedings and the necessity for the prosecution to present compelling evidence. It also presents a hopeful perspective for Reddy, giving him the chance to rebuild his trucking business and regain financial stability. This outcome serves as a reminder of the judicial system’s role in ensuring that justice prevails.
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