Court Orders Lawyer Presence for Hearing Date
The Attorney-General’s office has been given 14 days to file their application to strike out Malani’s claim of $800,244 million.
Thursday 31 October 2024 | 12:44
Veronica Malani, her lawyer Sitiveni Raikanikoda and Manoa Malani outside the Veiuto Court Complex in Suva on October 2, 2024.
The High Court in Suva has ordered Veronica Malani to ensure her lawyer is present in the next court sitting to set a hearing date.
Malani appeared before Justice Usaia Ratuvili yesterday without her lawyer, Sitiveni Raikanikoda. He was at the Nasinu Magistrate’s Court for another matter.
Frustrated defence lawyer Ronal Singh told the court they had already filed their strike-out application and other necessary documents, and were ready to set a hearing date.
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He said this was not the first instance of Mr Raikanikoda’s absence from the proceedings.
Mr Singh added that even without his presence, Mr Raikanikoda did not provide any suggestions for possible hearing dates.
The Attorney-General’s office has been given 14 days to file their application to strike out Malani’s claim of $800,244 million.
Meanwhile, lawyer Mohammed Saneem said they were not prepared to make the same application as it had not been properly set.
Justice Ratuvili adjourned the case to next Wednesday, when a hearing date will be established.
Malani has filed a lawsuit against 11 individuals involved in the investigation of the 1987 bombing case, claiming $800,244 million.
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