Suva High Court Judge Justice Daniel Goundar today refused an application made by the Prosecution for Raymond Singh to provide a DNA sample to the Fiji Police Forensic Officer.

Judge Goundar refused the application stating that Raymond Singh is charged with the alleged murder of his wife and has pleaded not guilty and the trial is pending before the court.

He also stated that Singh opposes the application as this would violate his constitutional right namely freedom from scientific or medical treatment or procedure.

Judge Goundar stated that the parties agree that there is no statute in Fiji that compels a person suspected of committing a crime to provide a DNA sample for testing and a person cannot be compelled to DNA testing in absence or his or her consent.

Judge Goundar also said that he did not receive any submission from the state on whether the court should make exceptions to the right of freedom from medical procedure and to compel Singh to a DNA test after charging him and before the hearing of trial may infringe his right against self incrimination.

The case has been adjourned till 28th November for a pre trial conference.