The businessman and former chairman of Post Fiji Limited's board of directors, Mahendra Patel has appeared in court yesterday facing two counts of abuse of office.
He was charged by the Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption for allegedly extending the contract of the then Post Fiji managing director Peni Mau for a term of three years without proper approval and authority.
Mr Patel is also alleged to have approved and effected a gratuity payment of $24,000 to the retiring Mr Mau, when he was not entitled to it.
Also charged in the case were Mr Mau and the then acting managing director of Post Fiji, Dhirendra Pratap.
Mr Mau was charged with extortion by public officers while Mr Pratap is charged with aiding and abetting abuse of office and falsifying certificates by public officers.
The men have denied the charges against them.
