A High Court judge has recused himself from hearing a case after an application by a 40-year-old Lautoka businessman.

Justice Sunil Sharma, who earlier denied a bail application by Saiyad Faizal Aslam Khan, said he was recusing himself in the best interests of justice.

Mr Khan filed an application for Justice Sharma to recuse himself from the matter, citing bias.

“I see where you are coming from because you think I will be biased because I refused you before.

“It is in the best interest of justice that this matter be heard by another Judge,” Justice Sharma said.

Mr Khan was initially charged with two counts of conspiring to defeat justice and interfering with witnesses.

While stating his case, however, the Court also received another submission, this time from Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions lawyer Arvind Singh for Mr Khan’s bail application to be reviewed.

Mr Singh said his application for bail review was mainly because of a change in circumstances from newly-found facts of the case.

But Mr Khan earlier told the Court that his bail had been approved by a lower Court, prior to being denied by the High Court.

Edited by Epineri Vula

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