The Suva Magistrate’s Court has postponed the sentencing of former Post Fiji CEO Anirudha Bansod to August 7. Bansod appeared before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad on the matter yesterday. Bansod is represented by lawyer Devanesh Sharma, while Arieta Vaganalau serves as the prosecution lawyer.
Magistrate Prasad has called for clarification on several issues and has directed both parties to concentrate on the conflict of interest as the main issue. Mr. Sharma argued that the bid submitted was fair and any conflict of interest was only perceived, not actual. He also stated that Bansod had no involvement in selecting the tender awardee.
Ms. Vaganalau argued that a conflict of interest existed and Bansod failed to declare his acquaintance with the bidders. Magistrate Prasad emphasized that he would not rush the sentencing process. He has instructed both parties to prepare and present their submissions within the next seven days before any verdict is reached.
Bansod is accused of making false declarations concerning confidentiality and conflict of interest for the tender relating to the design, development, and implementation of the Post Fiji Mobile Application in 2022.