Party President On Case Struck Out: Happy That Justice Has Prevailed

The Civil High Court in Lautoka has struck out a case against SODELPA and its executives by its members.

The case was filed by Taitusi Rasoki Kata, Ilaitia Bavadra and Filise Matabogi.

It was against party president Ratu Epenisa Cakobau, vice presidents Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, Ro Teimumu Kepa and George Shiu Raj, Party general secretary Emele Duituturaga and assistant general secretary Lenaitasi Biaukula.

It was alleged the executives breached the party Constitution while conducting party affairs from the time the party was suspended on May 26, 2020, to the management board meetings and other party matters thereafter.

SODELPA president Ratu Epenisa said in an email: “The party management is delighted that the case has been struck out.

“We remain comforted that the party is on course to deliver justice to our voters and good transparent leadership.

“We are happy that justice has prevailed and we urge all party members to continue to have faith and pray for the party.”

‘No reasonable cause of action’

The defendant’s lawyer, Romanu Vananalagi filed the struck out application on the grounds that the case disclosed no reasonable cause of action, it was scandalous, frivolous or vexatious, and that it was otherwise an abuse of the court process.

Mr Vananalagi also sought an order that the plaintiffs (Mr Kata, Mr Bavadra and Mr Matabogi) pay the costs of the application on a solicitor/client basis.

Justice Anare Tuilevuka struck out the matter in favour of SODELPA and its executives and also ordered the plaintiffs to pay a sum of $1600 as costs.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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