The High Court in Suva has set aside four days for a $1 million defamation lawsuit initiated by Arnold Chanel, director of Duavata, against Elaine Chandra, the chief executive officer of Justice Pacific. The lawsuit centers on a Facebook post allegedly made by Chandra on April 25, 2025, which referred to Chanel as the Duavata editor and labeled him as “unqualified,” suggesting he complete his degree. Additional derogatory comments were also allegedly made in the post.
In a related accusation, it is claimed that Chandra posted on Facebook on April 20 of the previous year, accusing Chanel of committing tax fraud. Chanel is pursuing general damages, a permanent injunction against Chandra, and a public apology for the posts that he argues have harmed his reputation.
This legal dispute follows the High Court’s dismissal of Chanel’s ex parte application last year, which sought to prevent Chandra from making any further defamatory statements. The case was brought before Acting Master of the High Court Liyanage Kashyapa Wickramasekara on February 6, and it is anticipated that nine witnesses will provide testimony during the trial. The specific dates for the trial are to be confirmed by the civil registry, and the matter has been adjourned until further notice.
This lawsuit highlights the legal recourse individuals can take against defamatory statements made on social media platforms, reflecting the ongoing scrutiny of online conduct. As the case proceeds, it may serve as an important precedent in the realm of defamation law and the responsibilities of social media users.
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