The application by SODELPA MP Simione Rasova’s lawyer for High Court Judge Dr. Thushara Kumarage to recuse himself from the trial has been refused and dismissed.
Rasova is charged with one count each of False Information to a Public Servant and Obtaining Financial Advantage.
He is alleged to have falsely stated that his permanent place of residence was in Nasenivolau, Nabouwalu village, Ono, Kadavu and allegedly obtained $21,350 in parliamentary allowances between July 2019 and April 2020.
The court has also imposed a cost of $3,000 against Rasova.
Rasova’s lawyer Barbara Malimali had applied on the basis that the court has heard three similar cases and the prosecution has the same witness from Parliament.
She says they are basing their application on the credibility of the witnesses.
The trial will commence on November 14th.
