A taxi driver has turned to the High Court to contest what he claims is a wrongful deduction of $18,000 from his bank account by the Bank of South Pacific (BSP). Saten Singh’s appeal, presented by his attorney Jyoti Naidu, was heard by Justice Mohammed Mackie at the Civil Division of the High Court in Lautoka last week. Singh is seeking to overturn a previous ruling made on April 26, 2023, by a magistrate’s court that dismissed his claim for the recovery of the funds.
Singh initially filed a writ of summons on April 5, 2018, in relation to a property loan he refinanced. His submission indicates that he applied to refinance a loan for $40,000, which resulted in a new total loan balance of $53,672, intended to be disbursed in stages. The first amount of $17,500 was successfully released on August 6, 2003, with the bank providing substantial documentation, including a bank cheque and a consent letter from Singh.
The core issue of the dispute lies with the second payment of $18,000 released on September 29, 2003. Singh argues that the magistrate’s court erred by failing to consider the bank’s inability to prove who received the $18,000 and how it was utilized. The appeal is set to be reconsidered on January 30, 2026.
This case underscores the critical importance of due process in banking practices, emphasizing how financial institutions must be held accountable for their actions, especially regarding customers’ funds. It reflects a broader legal framework that protects individuals from potential banking discrepancies. Much like in a prior case where a businessman was compensated due to wrongful charges, this ongoing legal battle brings hope that justice will prevail, reinforcing public confidence in the judicial system. Such outcomes not only seek to rectify individual grievances but also serve as reminders for financial institutions to uphold integrity and transparency in their transactions.
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