FORMER prime minister and Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry intends to travel to Australia for a medical check-up, the High Court in Suva was told.
High Court judge Justice Daniel Goundar informed Chaudhry's lawyer Rajendra Chaudhry that the variation in bail could only be granted if a plea was taken.
The court was informed by the defence counsel that disclosures were served 45 minutes prior to the case and they would need to go through the information filed by the State before a plea could be taken.
Then Chaudhry (Mahendra) took a not guilty plea in default, when his lawyer informed the court that his client intended to plead not guilty.
Director of Public Prosecutions Aca Rayawa informed the court that they would not object to variation if it was done on medical grounds.
Rajendra Chaudhry then told the court that his client wanted to travel on September 21.
Justice Goundar has given DPP until next week to file submissions regarding bail variation. The case will now be called on August 6, when Chaudhry is likely to take a plea.