The High Court of Fiji has rejected an appeal filed by Hasmukh Lal, the former CEO of Pacific TAFE at the University of the South Pacific (USP), regarding a controversy highlighted in the BDO Report. This report, which investigated allegations of misconduct and mismanagement against senior executives, including Lal, was initiated by USP Vice Chancellor Professor Paul Ahluwalia in 2021.
In a ruling pronounced on July 9, Justice Penijamini Lomaloma indicated that Mr. Lal’s claims lacked substantive grounds and were dismissed as unfeasible. The court noted that the USP Council had maintained confidentiality concerning the report, and there were no authorized breaches regarding its contents.
During the appeal, submitted on June 30, 2025, Mr. Lal put forth 11 grounds, including claims related to vicarious liability and breaches of natural justice; however, the judge ultimately determined that the allegations were fundamentally weak and without merit.
As a result of the court’s decision, Lal’s appeal was dismissed, and the USP was awarded $1,000 in costs.
This ruling is part of a broader context of governance issues within the University of the South Pacific. The university has faced significant unrest among its staff and faculty, with ongoing calls for reform in response to leadership challenges and governance practices under Professor Ahluwalia. The staff unions have expressed deep concerns regarding the administration, citing issues of transparency and respect for academic freedom.
Despite these challenges, there remains an optimistic outlook as stakeholders within the university and the surrounding community strive towards fostering better communication, restoring confidence, and enhancing the overall educational environment at USP. The recent developments signal a critical moment for the university, allowing for potential dialogue that can inspire positive changes and a stronger adherence to governance principles.
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