National Federation Party Leader and Member of Parliament, Professor Biman Prasad, made an appearance at the Suva Magistrate Court earlier today. He is facing charges for allegedly failing to comply with statutory disclosure mandates. Specifically, he stands accused of providing false information in a statutory declaration by not declaring his directorship with Platinum Hotels and Resorts Pte Limited, which he reportedly omitted in his annual declaration of assets, liabilities, and income submitted to the Registrar of Political Parties.
The case was brought before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad, where Senior State Counsel Joseph Work informed the court about the prosecution’s intention to serve proposed facts to the Defence. Professor Prasad is actively contesting these charges by pursuing a stay of proceedings in the High Court, with a hearing scheduled for March.
Defence Lawyer Richard Naidu is representing Professor Prasad in this matter, which has been adjourned until April 20, allowing both sides to prepare their cases adequately. The legal proceedings reflect significant implications not only for Prasad but also for political accountability and transparency in Fiji’s political landscape.