The civil case involving former Minister of Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, against Fiji Labour Party leader, Mr. Chaudhary, over alleged defamatory statements on Facebook has been put on hold until further notice. Presided over by Justice Anjala Wati, the proceedings took place last week in the High Court in Suva, but were adjourned due to the court’s unavailability to schedule a trial date.
Currently, both parties are awaiting a notice of appearance from the registry. Professor Prasad claims that Mr. Chaudhary has made several false and defamatory statements about him on social media since 2023. One particular post from last year accused Professor Prasad of allocating $200,000 to the Global Girmit Institute (GGI), an organization alleged to have been discredited and deregistered at that time.
The said post further alleged that in February 2023, GGI sought re-registration while Professor Prasad’s wife, Rajni Kaushal Chand, along with Ganesh Chand and Hirdesh Sharma, was listed as trustees. Mr. Chaudhary insinuated that Professor Prasad improperly authorized government funds to GGI and mishandled the re-registration process.
Represented by Sherani & Co, Professor Prasad contends that the post, still accessible online and viewed by many, has seriously tarnished his integrity and reputational standing. According to him, the statements have left him exposed to public scandal and contempt, resulting in significant personal damage.
Court documents reveal that despite a formal request made by Professor Prasad on August 5, 2024, Mr. Chaudhary has not acknowledged or retracted his post, nor has he issued an apology. This ongoing legal dispute highlights the potential ramifications of social media on public figures’ reputations and the necessity for accountability in public discourse.
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