THE High Court in Suva is yet to set a date to hear former deputy prime minister and minister of finance, Prof Biman Prasad’s application for a permanent stay of proceedings.
His lawyer Richard Naidu of Munro Leys provided this update after his client entered a not-guilty plea in the Suva Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
Prof Prasad faces one count of failure to comply with statutory disclosure requirements, which allegedly occurred in 2015.
FICAC alleges that on December 30, 2015, Prof Prasad, as an office holder of the National Federation Party registered under the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013, failed to comply with Section 24(1)(b)(iv) of the Act by not declaring his directorship in Platinum Hotels & Resorts Pte Ltd from his annual declaration of assets, liabilities and income submitted to the Registrar of Political Parties.
He is also charged with providing false information in a statutory declaration by allegedly submitting a declaration that omitted his directorship.
Mr Naidu said the permanent stay application was filed last week, but a date for the first call has not been fixed by the High Court. He also informed Magistrate Yogesh Prasad of his intention to seek an interim stay of the Magistrate’s Court proceedings until the High Court hears and determines the permanent stay application.
FICAC prosecutor Joseph Works raised no objection to Prof Prasad travelling overseas for seven days from December 20, 2025, noting the former minister has complied with all conditions, including providing two weeks’ notice and submitting his travel itinerary.
The magistrate reminded both parties that if the matter proceeds to trial, it will follow the normal queue with hearings expected from March 2026 onwards.
Until then, Prof Prasad’s bail remains extended with the case adjourned to January 26.
