Sharma to Get More than $3M in Compensation

Former Solicitor-General Sharvada Sharma is expected to receive more than $3 million in compensation after the High Court in Suva ruled against his reinstatement yesterday.

High Court Judge, Justice Deepthi Amaratunga, while making the ruling said the decisions on his termination, suspension and suspension without salary, were all taken without proper procedure; thus, all were regarded null and void.

Sharma applied for judicial review for the decision which led to his dismissal on November 10, 2021.

Former S-G Sharvada Sharma.

Considering all the circumstances, Judge Amaratunga said Sharma’s case could only be assessed according to damages incurred.

1. His lost income for the 51-day period of his suspension amounting to $27, 913.49 gross plus eight per cent Fiji National Provident Fund of $2,233.08.

(c) special damages for his lost income from November 11, 2021, to the date of the hearing (581 days) at the rate of $199,773 per annum amounting to $317,994.83, from which credit must be given for the $4130, 373.84 he will have earned from USP, i.e. net $187,620.99 p.a plus 8 per cent FNPF contribution of $15, 009.68

(d) loss to future earning multiplier of 10 is used considering the circumstances that applicants have good prospects of employability considering his experience and qualifications and other uncertainties in 22 years.

For multiplicand his annual salary at the time of termination $221,971 per annum. So future loss 10 x 221,971 = $2,219,710 per annum with 8 per cent FNPF of $177,576.80

(f) aggravated vincatory damages of $150,000.

Sharma was represented by Munroe Leys Lawyers.

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