Three prominent figures will find out this Thursday whether their case will be transferred to the High Court for trial.
Former prime minister Voreqe Bainimarama, former attorney-general Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and former health minister Dr Neil Sharma appeared yesterday before Senior Magistrate Sufia Hamza.
The matter was set for hearing on the DDP’s motion to have the matter transferred to the High Court.
The trio face charges of abuse of office, obstructing the course of justice and breach of trust by a person employed in the public service for alleged transactions that took place in 2011.
They are all accused of failing to comply with statutory requirements as stipulated under the 2010 Procurement Regulations.
Dr Sharma is charged with two counts of abuse of office and two of breach of trust. Mr Sayed-Khaiyum is also charged with one count of abuse of office and one of obstructing the course of justice, while Mr Bainimarama is charged with one count of abuse of office.
The lawyers representing the three men respectively objected to the application, arguing the lower court has powers under section 100 (7) to determine constitutional issues.
The defence also argued that their clients have opted to have their case heard in the lower court, which is their right under the Constitution.
The two recent rulings delivered by High Court judges Justice Thushara Rajasinghe and Justice Daniel Goundar in two separate high-profile cases were also cited in court.
Meanwhile, Assistant DPP Laisani Tabuakuro informed the court she had received the recusal application filed by Mr Sharma.
Ms Hamza will deliver her ruling on June 12.
