Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has initiated a defamation lawsuit against Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad. The lawsuit centers around comments made by Prof Prasad on August 1, 2024, in which he allegedly referred to Chaudhry as “the biggest crook” who was “hiding $2 million in Australia.” These remarks were reported on both a news website and in a local newspaper.
Chaudhry asserts that these statements are not only false but also intended to damage his reputation by portraying him as a thief with overseas assets. Prof Prasad had claimed that donations from people in Haryana, India, were made to help relocate Chaudhry’s family for their safety due to threats related to the political situation in Fiji. He alleged that from November 2000 to April 2002, Chaudhry received money that was deposited through the Indian Consul General’s office in Sydney into his account at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
Chaudhry is seeking compensation for loss and damage, arguing that Prof Prasad knew the statements were untrue at the time they were made. Despite a notice from Chaudhry’s legal team requesting a retraction of the comments on August 12, 2024, Prof Prasad has not withdrawn his statements. The court has yet to schedule a date to hear the case.