Two former acting heads of departments at Sabeto College, Alvin and Nazeem Raju, had their civil action against the Ministry of Education and its former permanent secretary, Dr. Anjeela Jokhan, dismissed by the Employment Relations Court. The court ruled that the matter fell under employment grievances, not as a contractual issue.
The Raju couple had claimed unfair treatment by the acting principal, Shelly Chand. Mrs. Raju filed a complaint in October 2019, alleging unfair treatment, while Mr. Raju followed with a similar complaint. The Ministry of Education initiated an investigation, leading to a panel that found the allegations to be unsubstantiated, stating the couple had personalized their professional disputes and exhibited insubordinate behavior towards Ms. Chand.
As a result of the findings, Dr. Jokhan issued a warning letter to the couple and transferred them to different posts in Lautoka, effectively ending their acting appointments. They sought to have their positions restored, but the court ruled against them.
Justice Anare Tuilevuka indicated that the issues raised pertained to employment grievances that should be addressed through the proper tribunal, dismissing their claims and awarding costs of $800 to the defendants.
This case underscores the importance of proper channels for addressing employment-related disputes and the commitment of the Ministry to uphold professional standards in educational institutions. It illustrates the processes in place for resolving grievances while maintaining workplace decorum. The decision also reflects on the need for adherence to established protocols when addressing complaints to avoid possible repercussions.
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