JUSTICE HAMZA REFUSES MOTION IN GANESH CHAND CASE

Suva High Court Judge Justice Riyaz Hamza yesterday refused the notice of motion submitted by counsel for former Fiji National University Vice Chancellor Ganesh Chand. Defence lawyer Devanesh Sharma had submitted a motion for strike out and permanent stay of proceedings against Chand. Justice Hamza mentioned that this was the second strike-out application advanced by the Defence.

He said his written reasons would be made available to counsels this morning.

Trial is expected to take place from July 16-27, 2018.

Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption lawyer Rashmi Aslam confirmed that they would be calling 22 witnesses during trial. He said if they saw any further statements that needed to be recorded then they would file an additional list of witnesses before July 5, 2018. The case has been adjourned to July 6, 2018 for Pre-trial Conference.

Chand’s bail has been extended.

He is charged with one count of abuse of office. It is alleged that between November 14, 2012 and July 4, 2013 whilst being employed in the public service as the FNU VC, he allegedly abused the authority of his office by doing an arbitrary act for the purpose of gain. Namely by approving the payment of $213,905.05 for overseas medical treatment for former Minister of Education and FNU chairperson, Filipe Bole, from FNU funds without the approval of the FNU Council which was prejudicial to the rights of the University and the Council.