Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has filed a defamation lawsuit against Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad. The lawsuit stems from comments made by Prasad on August 1, 2024, where he allegedly referred to Chaudhry as “the biggest crook” who was “hiding $2 million in Australia.” These remarks were reported by a news website and local newspapers.
Chaudhry contends that these statements are not only false but also malicious, intended to depict him as a thief who conceals money overseas. Prasad claimed that financial support from people in Haryana, India, was given to assist in relocating Chaudhry’s family due to safety concerns amid the political climate in Fiji. He also stated that between November 2000 and April 2002, Chaudhry had received funds deposited through the Indian Consul General Office in Sydney into his account at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
Chaudhry is seeking compensation for loss and damage, asserting that Prasad was aware of the truth when he made the defamatory comments. Furthermore, Prasad has not withdrawn his statements despite a notice from Chaudhry’s lawyer requesting a retraction on August 12, 2024. The court has yet to schedule a date to address the case.