A Magistrate’s court in Labasa has ordered the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to reimburse a businessman $20,000 after he was wrongfully issued multiple Traffic Infringement Notices (TIN). Sanjeev Reddy, a 50-year-old from Vunika, Labasa, faced the court on three different occasions with his lawyer, John Prasad.
The issues began on July 17, 2019, when Mr. Reddy received a $2,000 fine for allowing someone else to drive his vehicle without conformity to safety regulations. Following that, he was hit with two additional TINs totaling $18,000. This series of fines forced him to close his trucking business, leading him to manage a shop instead to support himself.
In her ruling, Magistrate Safaira Ratu noted that the evidence presented by the prosecution fell short of proving the charges against Mr. Reddy. She questioned the credibility of the prosecution witnesses and ultimately found that there was insufficient evidence for a conviction. Consequently, she dismissed the TINs, acquitted Mr. Reddy of the charges, and required the LTA to refund all fines paid within 21 days.
This case highlights the importance of fair legal processes and the protection of individuals’ rights against unjust fines. It serves as a reminder that thorough scrutiny of evidence is crucial in ensuring justice is upheld.
In a positive light, this ruling not only restores Mr. Reddy’s financial stability but also emphasizes the judicial system’s accountability in rectifying mistakes, potentially inspiring confidence in legal processes among the public.
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