FLP & Unity Fiji case against the Speaker, AG and Fijian Govt called for the first time before the Chief Justice

FLP & Unity Fiji case against the Speaker, AG and Fijian Govt called for the first time before the Chief Justice

By Semi Turaga
Wednesday 02/03/2022
Sevuloni Valenitabua, Devanesh Sharma and Associate Gul Fatima.

The case where the Fiji Labour Party and Unity Fiji Party have taken the Speaker of Parliament, the Government and the Attorney General to court, seeking a declaration that it is unconstitutional to not allow political parties to file cases in the High Court if they have issues with decisions made by the Registrar of Political Parties and the Electoral Commission, was called for the first time today.

FLP and Unity Fiji filed legal action in relation to the amendments to the Political Parties Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures Act where the right of the aggrieved party to appeal in the High Court against the decisions of the Registrar of Political Parties and Electoral Commission, have been removed.

These two parties are represented by Sevuloni Valenitabua who was asked by the Chief Justice Kamal Kumar this morning to step outside and remove his bip.

Valenitabua was wearing his bip without a robe.

Chief Justice Kumar said Valenitabua was a very senior lawyer and asked if that was how he was supposed to be dressed in court.

The court then waited as Valenitabua went outside to remove his bip.

When he returned inside, Valenitabua apologised.

R Patel Lawyers partner Devanesh Sharma and Associate Gul Fatima informed the court today that they are acting on the instructions of the Attorney General’s Chambers for the three defendants.

Valenitabua says that they have filed the originating summons together with an affidavit by Mahendra Chaudhry.

In response, Sharma told the court that there are three affidavits they have to respond to and they seek 21 days to file their responding affidavits in this matter.

He says there are a number of issues they would like to raise in the affidavits itself and then take it up as well in the substantive hearing.

Valenitabua has asked for 14 days to reply to Sharma.

He also sought leave of the court this morning to file a supplementary affidavit by Chaudhry.

The case has been adjourned to 30th April 2022.


FEATURE NEWS
LATEST NEWS
Tanoa Hotel Group and NZ students plant 600 mangroves at Taiperia, Lautoka
To combat the ongoing effects of climate change and the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the Tanoa Hotel Group and 16 ...
84 days ago

Ovalau family to celebrate Easter reminiscing the hard work and dedication of their late son
The Boleilovoni family will have a celebration this Easter at their home in Lovoni Village, Ovalau, celebrating their late son Joseph Rymell ...
84 days ago

Expect a rainy Easter weekend as a flash flood alert and heavy rain warning in force for Fiji
People need to be prepared for a wet Easter weekend as a flash flood alert is still in force for all low-lying and flash flood-prone areas of Viti ...
84 days ago

Flash flood alert for Viti Levu and Vanua Levu
Please be prepared as a flash flood alert is now in force for all low lying and flash flood prone areas of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. A heavy rain ...
85 days ago

U.S Ambassador calls out China on trying to undermine its bilateral relationship with Fiji
It's puzzling that any country purporting to be a friend to Fiji would try to publicly undermine Fiji’s bilateral relationship with one of its ...
85 days ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Top Interventional Cardiologist Dr Kapadia on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The show will focus on health services in the country. The former Marist Brothers Primary and High School student who has been practising medicine ...
95 days ago

Supervisor of Elections on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The interview focus on preparations for the 2026 general elections, voter related issues, electoral laws, the 2022 glitch and the municipal council ...
95 days ago

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Coach, Glen Jackson on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Coach, Glen Jackson appeared on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan from the Drua base in Nadi. Coming off ...
99 days ago

TOP