Former FijiFirst party member of parliament, Vijendra Prakash, has been ordered by Suva Judge Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu to pay $2,000 to the Attorney-General’s office. This decision comes after the judge dismissed Prakash’s constitutional redress application, in which he argued that his right to a fair trial and protections under section 14 (J) (L) of the Fijian Constitution had been violated.
In February 2023, Prakash was sentenced to 36 months of partial imprisonment after being found guilty of making a false declaration and unlawfully obtaining financial advantages while collecting parliamentary allowances in 2018. Justice Bulamainaivalu explained that Prakash’s application was rejected because he has other available remedies for his constitutional grievances.
Notably, representatives from the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption and the plaintiffs’ lawyer were present at the hearing, but the Attorney-General’s office did not attend.
This ruling underscores the importance of accountability within public office and highlights the ongoing efforts to uphold constitutional rights within Fiji’s legal framework. It reinforces the message that public officials are not above the law, promoting a greater sense of transparency and trust in governance.
Overall, while this situation presents challenges for Prakash, it also serves as a reminder of the justice system’s role in addressing misconduct among politicians, ultimately strengthening democracy in Fiji.
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