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 yesterday.
Bansod is represented by lawyer Devanesh Sharma, while the prosecution’s lawyer is Arieta Vaganalau.
Magistrate Prasad has requested clarification on several issues and instructed both parties to concentrate on the matter of conflict of interest.
Sharma contended that a fair bid was submitted and that any perceived conflict of interest did not actually exist.
He also mentioned that Bansod had no involvement in the decision-making process regarding the tender award.
Vaganalau argued that there was indeed a conflict of interest and that Bansod failed to disclose his acquaintance with the bidders.
Magistrate Prasad indicated that he would not rush into the sentencing.
He has directed both parties to prepare and present their submissions within the next seven days before the court reaches a verdict.
Bansod is accused of making false declarations regarding confidentiality and conflict of interest concerning the tender for the design, development, and implementation of the Post Fiji Mobile Application in 2022.