The High Court in Suva has mandated that parties involved in a civil case regarding the appointment of the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) submit amended Terms of Settlement by January 14, 2026. This decision was made by Justice Dane Tuiqereqere, who has adjourned the case to January 22.
The legal action stems from a complaint filed by the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), questioning the findings and recommendations made by the Commission of Inquiry (COI) that led to the appointment of Barbra Malimali as FICAC Commissioner. The JSC, led by Chief Justice Salesi Temo and Chief Registrar Tomasi Bainivalu, is listed as the appellant against the COI, the Attorney-General of Fiji, and Justice David E. Ashton Lewis.
In court, representatives for the JSC, Fa and Company, were present alongside Ropate Green and Hemendra Nagin, who represented the COI and the other respondents. During previous hearings, Justice Tuiqereqere sought clarity on the COI’s representation, to which Mr. Green responded that the inquiry had concluded, and the State now represents the COI after it submitted its report to the President.
The parties are expected to address various concerns regarding the proposed Terms of Settlement as directed by the court, with the JSC aiming to overturn the COI’s findings related to the appointment of the FICAC Commissioner. This ongoing case reflects crucial developments in addressing governance and accountability within Fiji’s judicial system, indicating a proactive approach to legal challenges in the nation’s efforts to combat corruption.
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