Former Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad has entered a plea of not guilty to two charges in connection with alleged failures to comply with statutory disclosure requirements during a session at the Suva Magistrates Court. The plea was presented before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad.
The charges against Prasad stem from incidents that occurred on or around December 30, 2015, when he was serving as an office holder for the registered National Federation Party. According to allegations, he failed to adhere to Section 24(1)(b)(iv) of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013 by not reporting his directorship in Platinum Hotels & Resorts Pte Limited in his annual declaration of assets, liabilities, and income, which he was obligated to submit to the Registrar of Political Parties.
In addition, Prasad faces accusations of providing false information in a statutory declaration, having reportedly submitted a declaration that omitted his directorship, thereby making it materially false.
Attorney Richard Naidu, representing Prasad from Munroe Leys, indicated plans to apply for a permanent stay of proceedings, citing Prasad’s scheduled travel from December 20 to December 27. The prosecution indicated they had no objections to this request provided Prasad submits pertinent travel information and itinerary details.
In court, it was noted that the defense has already received 12 documents related to the case, with the prosecution assuring that they would notify the defense of any additional relevant documents that may arise in the future. The magistrate indicated that the trial could potentially commence in March and that the case would be called for mention again on January 26. Bail for Prasad has been extended pending the next hearing.
This development marks an important chapter in Prasad’s legal journey as he prepares to contest the charges against him.