Navua Magistrate Chaitanya Lakshman told a group of five men yesterday that this is the time to pray and not party.

He made the comment while sentencing the men to three months imprisonment for violating social gathering orders imposed by the Government in light of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

Emosi Ugavele, a 27-year-old soldier, Simione Damoni, 30, a farmer, and labourers Inoke Waiseyaki, 27, Waisale Sigakalele, 26, and Donasio Ratubuli 27 appeared at the Navua Magistrates Court charged with one count of disobedience of lawful order.

They were arrested in a house in Navua town after they were found drinking alcohol at 2am on Saturday. The Police were informed about the matter.

Magistrate Lakshman told the men that there is a purpose why gathering was not allowed.

Magistrate Lakshman also told them that they should think of the Government, the people who are in the frontline trying to protect the spread of the COVID-19.

He said if they had a lot of money, they should donate it to the poor and those in need instead of spending it on liquor.

All men pleaded guilty to the offence and sought the court’s forgiveness.

Police Prosecutor Constable Riteshni Lata informed the court that the accused men were drinking at Damoni’s house.

In mitigation, they were first offenders and were remorseful.

Their sentence has been suspended for two years.

Edited by Ivamere Nataro

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