Prasad, Chaudhry ready for trial in defamation suit

Former Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad and Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry have indicated they are ready to proceed to trial in a civil defamation suit.

The matter was mentioned today before High Court Judge Justice Angela Wati.

At the centre of the case are statements published on the official Fiji Labour Party Facebook page on May 15, 2024, which questioned Mr Prasad’s allocation of $200,000 in government funding to the Global Girmit Institute (GGI) in 2023 for the Girmit Conference. The posts alleged that Mr Prasad’s wife was a trustee of the institute.

Mr Chaudhry also claimed Mr Prasad had misled the public about his wife’s role, alleging the GGI was de-registered in 2022 and re-registered in 2023, with Mr Prasad’s wife and two others known to him listed as trustees.

The posts further alleged the misuse of public funds, claiming the allocation was made to a “discredited and defunct organisation” and that proper procedures, including calling for expressions of interest, were not followed.

Mr Prasad has denied the allegations, saying the statements were defamatory and had seriously damaged his integrity and reputation, exposing him to public scandal, odium and contempt, and causing loss and damage.

He is seeking an injunction to restrain further publication of the alleged defamatory material, damages including aggravated and exemplary damages, special damages to be detailed at trial, an unconditional apology and retraction, costs on an indemnity basis, and any other relief the court considers just and equitable.

Mr Prasad’s lawyer, Minakshi Deo of Sherani & Co, told the court all preliminary issues had been resolved and that the plaintiff would be calling five witnesses at trial.

Lawyer Isireli Fa Jnr of Fa & Co, appearing on instructions from Iqbal Khan & Associates for Mr Chaudhry, said the defence was also ready and would call seven witnesses.

Justice Wati noted that the court calendar for the coming months was already full and adjourned the matter to April 9 for mention, when trial dates are expected to be fixed.