Suva businessman, Ben Padarath’s case in relation to the charge of concealing false government documents has been dismissed by Chief Magistrate Usaia Ratuvili.
The decision was made after the state could not proceed with the fixed trial date set for today.
Padarath had pleaded not guilty to the charge and the matter was originally fixed for a 2 day trial on the 28th and 29th of November last year.
The Director of Public Prosecutions office then asked for the trial date to be moved.
The court moved it to today and tomorrow and it was stated that this would be the final date for trial.
It has been revealed in court that last Tuesday, the state asked for the case to be further adjourned to allow the DPP to finalise his decision regarding the charge.
The state was looking at options to withdraw the charges and a consideration of whether Padarath could also be called as a state witness in other related matters.
The application has been refused and the charge against Padarath has been dismissed.
Story by: Vijay Narayan
