Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry is taking legal action against Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, for defamation. The legal complaint specifies that on August 1, 2024, Prasad allegedly referred to Chaudhry as “the biggest crook” who had concealed $2 million in Australia. These remarks were reported both on a news website and in a local newspaper.
Chaudhry asserts that these statements are false and were made with malicious intent, aiming to depict him as a thief who stashed money abroad. Prasad also mentioned that the people of Haryana, India, contributed funds to help relocate Chaudhry’s family for their safety due to the political climate in Fiji.
According to Prasad, from November 2000 to April 2002, Chaudhry received funds that were transferred through the Indian Consul General Office in Sydney and deposited into his account at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
Chaudhry is seeking damages, claiming that Prasad was aware of the truth when he made the disparaging remarks and continued to stand by the claims despite a formal notice asking for a retraction sent by Chaudhry’s attorney on August 12, 2024. The court has yet to schedule a date for the hearing.