Crucial ruling today in Dhanraj trial

JUSTICE Melville Baird is expected today to deliver a very crucial decision in the murder trial against former Minister of Government, Dhanraj Singh. His decision relates to the jury that has been empanelled to hear evidence against Singh, who stands accused of the murder of Hansraj Sumairsingh, former Chairman of the Rio Claro/Mayaro Regional Corporation.

The ruling, to be handed down this morning in the San Fernando First Assize Court, will follow Justice Baird's decision yesterday to discharge a juror from sitting among the 12-member panel.

The juror whom the judge was forced to discharge was No 12 juror. He had been among the 12 members sworn in on Monday to adjudicate in the trial and who had been sequestered at a hotel.

Today makes five days since the trial began, but without a single witness being called to the box and without any evidence being heard by the jury.

The pool of jurors has now been reduced to 11 members on the panel and two alternates, bringing to thirteen, the number of jurors who have been sworn in to adjudicate in the trial.

The original number was 16 jurors, including four alternates. Prior to yesterday's events two jurors had already been discharged - one having been acquainted with Sumairsingh and the other being the spouse of an employee of the Court.

When hearing continued yesterday, the jury comprising eight men, four women and two alternates, took their respective seats. Acting Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Devan Rampersad, was expected to continue his reply to legal submissions made by Karl Hudson-Phillips, QC, who is defending Singh on the murder charge.

Immediately Justice Baird told everyone on the panel and the alternates, to return to the jury room, except for the foreman and juror No 12.

Thirty minutes later the judge sent for the panel and after they had taken their seats in open court, Justice Baird informed juror No 12 that he had been discharged and instructed him to leave courtroom.

The decision brought a perplexed look to Singh's face.

With the panel down to 11 members, Justice Baird adjourned hearing until today, but before doing so, told the rest of the jury members not to be perturbed by what had transpired regarding the discharging of the particular juror.

"It's none of your business. Do not discuss the case with anyone, although you have not heard any evidence," Justice Baird cautioned.

Hearing resumes at 9.00 this morning.