High Court judge Justice Riyaz Hamza has ordered the State to provide its list of witnesses by October in the murder trial of Ashish Sen.
Sen is accused of killing his 77-year-old father at their home in the Bara settlement, Sigatoka, in March 2024. The matter was before the High Court in Lautoka, where Sen was represented by Iqbal Khan and Rukalesi Uce appeared for the prosecution. A trial date has already been set for February 2026.
The court was told that all pretrial issues have been resolved, and Justice Hamza directed the State to file the witness list by the next hearing. The case has been adjourned to October 15 for the pretrial conference.
Brief summary:
– Accused: Ashish Sen, charged with murdering his 77-year-old father in Bara settlement, Sigatoka (March 2024).
– Next steps: State must file witness list by October; pretrial conference on October 15.
– Trial date: February 2026.
Commentary and context:
– Requiring the prosecution’s witness list well ahead of the pretrial conference is standard practice to help the defence prepare, limit surprises at trial, and keep the case on schedule for the February 2026 trial date.
– Justice Riyaz Hamza frequently manages pretrial timetables in the High Court at Lautoka for serious criminal matters, reflecting an effort to progress complex cases while ensuring procedural fairness.
Suggestions for follow-up reporting:
– Confirm when the State files the witness list and whether any applications arise from that disclosure (e.g., witness protection or closed hearings).
– Note any changes to the trial timetable or further rulings from the pretrial conference on October 15.
– Seek comment from both defence and prosecution after the witness list is filed to report on preparedness and any outstanding issues.
Hopeful angle:
– The court’s clear timetable and the resolution of pretrial matters so far may help deliver a timely, fair hearing for all parties and provide clarity and closure for the family and community.
Leave a comment