The High Court in Suva has ruled in favor of businessman Alfaaz Mallam, awarding him $170,000 in damages after finding fellow businessman Krishneel Krishan Kumar guilty of defamation. Justice Savenaca Banuve delivered the judgment on September 4, reinforcing the need for accountability in business dealings and personal interactions. Mr. Kumar had falsely alleged that Mr. Mallam, director of All Freight Logistics Ltd, had stolen a shipping container. These defamatory remarks were made to several individuals, including a director at Bargain Box Ltd.
The statements, which were circulated in July and August 2021, were proven false in court, with Bargain Box’s director, Rohil Roy, corroborating that Mr. Kumar had wrongfully accused both him and Mr. Mallam of theft. Despite police investigations finding no grounds for such charges against Mr. Mallam, Mr. Kumar persisted with his claims, which Justice Banuve described as deliberate and malicious.
As a result of these actions, the court awarded Mr. Mallam $70,000 in general and aggravated damages and $100,000 in exemplary damages. Additionally, Mr. Kumar is to pay 6% pre-judgment interest from December 3, 2021, to September 4, 2025, 4% post-judgment interest until full payment, and $3,000 in legal costs. Mr. Kumar is also required to issue a public apology acknowledging his false allegations.
This ruling signifies the importance of maintaining integrity and accountability in personal and business relationships. It serves as a reminder of the judicial system’s commitment to addressing defamation and protecting individuals from baseless accusations. It also illustrates the consequences of making malicious claims without substantiating evidence and underscores the legal system’s role in upholding justice and integrity in society.
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