The Suva Magistrate’s Court has postponed the sentencing of former Post Fiji chief executive officer, Anirudha Bansod, to August 7.
Bansod appeared before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad yesterday.
Defending Bansod is lawyer Devanesh Sharma, while prosecution lawyer Arieta Vaganalau represents the other side.
Magistrate Prasad has called for clarification on several issues in the case and has directed both parties to focus on the central issue of conflict of interest.
Mr. Sharma argued that a fair bid was submitted and that any conflict of interest was perceived rather than real. He added that Bansod had no involvement in choosing the tender awardee.
Ms. Vaganalau insisted that there was a conflict of interest and that Bansod failed to declare his acquaintances with the bidders.
Magistrate Prasad stated that he would not rush into the sentencing.
He instructed the parties to prepare and present their submissions within the next seven days before the court determines a verdict.
It is alleged that Bansod provided false declarations regarding confidentiality and conflict of interest for the tender of the design, development, and implementation of the Post Fiji Mobile Application in 2022.