Zarin Khan, the former president of the Fiji Institute of Accountants, recently faced a setback as the Nadi Magistrate’s Court rejected his request to have a stop departure order lifted. This order was originally imposed by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner, Barbara Malimali, as part of an ongoing investigation.
During the court proceedings, Mr. Khan appealed for the order to be lifted to allow him to travel for medical purposes. However, Magistrate Semi Babitu ruled that Commissioner Malimali acted within her authority in issuing the stop departure order. He further emphasized that the court lacked the jurisdiction to intervene in this situation, referencing the provisions under section 13 (1) (e) of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption Act 2007.
Magistrate Babitu did grant Mr. Khan a window of 28 days to file an appeal against the decision.
This situation highlights the legal complexities surrounding corruption investigations and the balance of individual rights against the need for accountability. While Mr. Khan’s medical needs are pressing, the court’s ruling underscores the importance of following due process in matters of governance and ethics.
As Mr. Khan navigates this challenging time, there remains hope that he may find a resolution that addresses both his health concerns and the ongoing investigations.
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