State prosecution questioned over delays in Punja drug case

The State prosecution was questioned this morning about repeated delays in filing court submissions, as a 24-year-old man facing multiple drug charges had his bail extended. 

Thakor Hari Punja appeared before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad at the Suva Magistrate Court. 

Punja is charged with three counts of unlawful possession of illicit drugs.

It is alleged that on May 11, 2024, he was found in possession of 0.841 grams of methamphetamine, 5.447 grams of cocaine, and 16.6 grams of marijuana. 

He is represented by senior Lautoka-based lawyer Iqbal Khan, who raised concerns about the prosecution’s failure to comply with earlier court directions. 

Mr Khan told the court that on October 23, the prosecution was granted 21 days to file submissions in response to a Section 290 application.

He said the prosecution failed to comply with the directive. 

When the matter was called again on November 27, the prosecution asked for more time and was granted a further 14-day extension, despite objections from the defence. 

Mr Khan said the prosecution again failed to file submissions within the time allowed. 

According to the defence, the prosecution only attempted to file its submissions on December 15, the day of the hearing, leaving the defence unprepared to respond. 

“With respect, the State has not shown regard for court procedure,” Mr Khan told the court. 

He added that the delays affected his client’s right to a fair hearing. 

The State counsel admitted that the delay was due to an “oversight.” 

The court accepted the explanation for the first delay but questioned the second failure to comply, noting that the same mistake could not be repeated. 

The case was adjourned to February 4, 2026.