The Director of Public Prosecutions is hindering the progress of a case against former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem, according to Magistrate Yogesh Prasad. This comment came after Acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva made a last-minute request to transfer the case to the High Court just days before the trial was set to begin on May 26. However, the trial date has been vacated following discussions among the involved parties and the court.
Defense attorney Devanesh Sharma expressed surprise at Tikoisuva’s application and emphasized that both his clients prefer to stand trial in the lower court. He requested additional time to file affidavits and submissions in response to the State’s application. Sayed-Khaiyum faces a charge of abuse of office, while Saneem is accused of unlawfully receiving a benefit amounting to $55,944.03 from Sayed-Khaiyum.
Magistrate Prasad instructed the defense to submit their affidavit by May 26, and the State is expected to file its response by May 28. A hearing to address Tikoisuva’s motion will take place on the latter date.
In earlier hearings, concerns have been raised about the legitimacy of Tikoisuva’s appointment as Acting DPP following the Supreme Court’s ruling that deemed her predecessor’s appointment unlawful. Such complexities add a significant layer to the ongoing proceedings and provide a context for the current legal discussions surrounding jurisdiction and the consolidation of charges against Sayed-Khaiyum and Saneem.
This situation showcases the intricate nature of the legal process where procedural challenges and jurisdictional disputes can significantly delay judicial proceedings. It’s crucial for the integrity of the legal system that these matters are addressed expediently, allowing for a fair trial for all parties involved. The upcoming hearings will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of these cases.
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