The High Court in Suva has adjourned its ruling in the closely watched case involving former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem to May 14.
Chief Justice Salesi Temo had been scheduled to deliver judgment at 10.30am today.
He told the court he needed more time to go through all the submissions.
The matter centres on allegations that an unauthorised tax benefit was granted to Mr Saneem in 2022.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum faces one count of abuse of office. The State alleges that while acting as Prime Minister, he approved a Deed of Variation authorising Government to pay about $55,944 in back taxes owed by Mr Saneem.
Mr Saneem is charged with receiving a corrupt benefit, accused of seeking and obtaining the tax relief without lawful authority.
The prosecution has argued the agreement was a “replacement deed” created to bypass constitutional oversight by the Constitutional Offices Commission and the President.
However, the defence maintains the payment was a legitimate reimbursement of withheld earnings, describing the matter as an employment issue rather than a criminal offence.
The case has drawn significant public attention given the senior positions previously held by both accused.
