Vijendra Prakash, a former MP with the FijiFirst party, has been directed by Suva Judge Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu to pay $2,000 to the Attorney-General’s office. This ruling follows the rejection of Prakash’s constitutional application, in which he argued that his rights to a fair trial were violated.
In February 2023, Prakash was sentenced to 36 months of partial imprisonment for making false declarations and unlawfully claiming parliamentary allowances back in 2018. Justice Bulamainaivalu expressed that Prakash’s case was dismissed as he had other remedies available for pursuing his constitutional rights.
During the proceedings, only representatives from The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption and the plaintiff’s lawyer were present, while the Attorney-General’s office did not set foot in court.
This case underscores the importance of accountability among public officials and reaffirms the principles of integrity within Fiji’s political landscape. In a broader sense, it sends a message that individuals in positions of power will face consequences for unlawful actions, which can ultimately lead to a more transparent and just governance system.
Summary: Former FijiFirst MP Vijendra Prakash has been ordered by a judge to pay $2,000 to the Attorney-General after his constitutional redress application was struck out. He is currently serving a 36-month sentence for making false declarations regarding parliamentary allowances.
Leave a comment