Former FijiFirst party Member of Parliament Vijendra Prakash has been ordered by Suva Judge Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu to pay a penalty of $2,000 to the Attorney-General’s office. This decision follows the striking down of Prakash’s application for constitutional redress, in which he contended that his rights to a fair trial were violated, specifically referencing section 14 (J) (L) of the Fijian Constitution.
In February 2023, Prakash was sentenced to a partial imprisonment of 36 months after being convicted on charges of making a false declaration and unlawfully benefiting financially by claiming parliamentary allowances in 2018. Justice Bulamainaivalu stated that Prakash’s application was dismissed due to the availability of other remedies to address his concerns regarding constitutional redress. The hearing saw only the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption and the plaintiffs’ lawyer in attendance, while the Attorney-General’s office was notably absent.
This ruling serves as a reminder of the accountability mechanisms in place within Fiji’s political landscape, reinforcing the importance of upholding democratic principles and the rule of law. It also highlights how legal processes are being utilized to maintain integrity within governance structures.
In light of this situation, it is hopeful that such actions will encourage a culture of transparency and responsibility among officials, ultimately benefitting the nation’s governance and public trust.
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