Justice Temo sworn-in as Acting Chief Justice

Justice Salesi Temo has been sworn-in as the Acting Chief Justice at the State House this afternoon.

Members of the judiciary were present to witness Acting Chief Justice Temo's swearing in.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Attorney-General Siromi Turaga were also present during the swearing in.

Justice Temo is a former Chief Magistrate.

In June 2009, he was appointed to the High Court of Fiji as an acting Puisne Judge.

He has been appointed Acting Chief Justice following the suspension of Chief Justice Kamal Kumar for alleged misbehaviour.

President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere has suspended Kumar with full pay on the advice of the Prime Minister.

The suspension is in accordance with Chapter 5, Part A, Section 111(4) of the 2013 Constitution following complaints lodged against the Chief Justice for alleged misbehaviour.

The contents of the complaints were put to the Chief Justice by the Prime Minister on the 24th of January 2023.

His responses were received by the Prime Minister on the 27th of January 2023.

The President informed the Kumar that having regard to the nature of some of the matters complained of and the responses, the Chief Justice is suspended from office pending investigation and referral to the tribunal. The President will appoint the tribunal pursuant to Chapter 5, Part A, Section 111(3)(a)(i) of the 2013 Constitution.

Once appointed, the tribunal will liaise with the Chief Justice directly on the steps to take and procedures to govern its deliberations.

Kumar is not required to vacate any official residence he occupies.