Former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has been accused of influencing the decision to suspend former solicitor general, Sharvada Sharma.

It is alleged that Mr Bainimarama directly contacted the currently suspended Chief Justice, requesting the suspension of Sharma.

This was revealed during the hearing of a judicial review application filed by Sharma.

The application seeks a review of six decisions made by the President, Judicial Services Commission (JSC), and the Attorney-General, who is named as a nominal respondent in the case.

The six decisions of the President and the JSC are as follows: 

1. The decision of the Commission on September 20, 2021, following the receipt of a letter of complaint dated September 14, 2021, from the Supervisor of Elections. The Commission advised the President to suspend Sharma from office.

2. The decision of the President on September 20, 2021, to suspend Sharma from office without remuneration.

3. The decision of the Commission on or about October 1, 2021, where they decided not to advise the President to reinstate Sharma’s remuneration.

4. The decision of the Commission on or about November 4, 2021, to demand a written explanation from Sharma regarding the allegations and to provide a response within 48 hours. This deadline fell between a public holiday and a weekend. Additionally, the decision of the Commission on November 5, 2021, was to refuse to extend the time for Sharma to provide a response.

5. The decision of the Commission on or about November 10, 2021, to advise the President to terminate Sharma’s appointment.

6. The decision of the President on November 10, 2021, to terminate Sharma’s appointment.

The full hearing was presided over by Civil High Court Judge Justice Deepthi Amaratunga yesterday. Lawyer Jon Apted represented Sharma, while lawyers Devanesh Sharma and Gul Fatima represented the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) and the Attorney-General. Solicitor General Ropate Green represented the President of Fiji.

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Story by:ashna.kumar@fijisun.com.fj