The Suva Magistrate’s Court has denied Blue Gas director Thakor Punja permission to travel to Australia for disc replacement surgery, ruling it neither essential nor necessary.
Mr Punja cited ongoing pain and a doctor’s recommendation from Pacific Specialist Healthcare.
The State opposed the application, with CWM Hospital Superintendent Dr Luke Nasedra testifying the condition was not life-threatening and could be treated in Fiji.
Magistrate Yogesh Prasad agreed, saying no immediate medical emergency existed.
“I find the application for bail variation to travel as not essential, not necessary, pressing,” he ruled on Monday.
The case is adjourned to March 10.
