July 26 hearing of habeas corpus application by MyWatch chairman

The High Court here today fixed July 26 to hear a habeas corpus application by Malaysian Crime Watch Task Force (MyWatch) chairman Datuk R. Sri Sanjeevan to challenge the 21-day remand order made against him under the Prevention of Crime Act (POCA) 2013.

Deputy Registrar Aizatul Akmal Maharani set the date when the case came up before her for mention.

Last July 11, the Magistrate's Court had allowed an application from the police to remand Sanjeevan for 21 days until July 31.

On July 14, the High Court dismissed his application to challenge the order.

Judicial Commissioner Datuk Ab Karim Ab Rahman, in a letter to Messrs. Gobind Singh Deo & Co, said the High court found that there was no irregularity or error done by the Magistrate in granting the remand order under Section 4(1)(a) of the POTA.

The following day (July 15), Gobind Singh filed the habeas corpus application to challenge the remand order, claiming that it was unlawful.

Yesterday, Sanjeevan, 32, pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court and a Magistrate's Court in Seremban to two charges, for hiring an illegal worker and committing extortion, respectively.

In the Sessions Court, he was charged with intentionally hiring an illegal worker, M. Manivannan, at the Nilai toll plaza of the PLUS Expressway at about 10.45 pm last June 22.

The charge under Section 55B(1) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 provides a fine of up to RM50,000 or jail not exceeding 12 months, or both, if convicted.

On the extortion charge, Sanjeevan was alleged to have committed the offence on one Goh Toh Hon, 38, at the same place, time and date.

The charge, under Section 384 of the Penal Code, provides and imprisonment for up to 10 years, or fine, or whipping, if found guilty.