Veronica Malani’s attorney, Sitiveni Raikanikoda, has been granted a 14-day period to submit their affidavit in response to a strike-out application filed by Neelraj Sharma, a former lawyer for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
This civil case was heard by Justice Usaia Ratuvili in the High Court of Suva and pertains to a compensation claim of $800,244 million involving 11 individuals connected to the investigation of a purported bombing case from 1987 that resurfaced in 2020.
The defendants in this case include several former and current members of the Fiji Police Force, as well as the DPP. During the proceedings, Sharma’s lawyer, Ronald Singh, informed the court that a strike-out application had been filed to remove Sharma from the case, noting that he is now employed with Munroe Leys Lawyers after his time with the DPP.
Justice Ratuvili instructed Raikanikoda to address the application and provide any evidence supporting his client’s involvement. Raikanikoda also raised concerns about two defendants, former Acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu and retired Assistant Police Commissioner Biu Matavou, who were not represented in court despite being retired civil servants.
In response, Justice Ratuvili indicated that the Office of the Attorney-General would need to explain this absence in the next hearing. The case has been adjourned and is scheduled to be mentioned again on October 9.