A government minister is currently facing serious allegations as a civil lawsuit has been filed against Charan Jeath Singh, Fiji’s Minister for Sugar and Multi-Ethnic Affairs. The lawsuit, initiated by his brother Jagjeet Singh, claims that Mr. Charan engaged in a series of questionable actions regarding his ownership stakes in the well-established family businesses, Gurbachan Singh and Company Limited, and Soap and Allied Industries Fiji Limited.
Among the severe accusations, Jagjeet Singh asserts that Charan convened a meeting without proper shareholder consultation, forged his signature on the nonexistent meeting minutes, and wrongly appointed his wife, Swaran Nandita Singh, as a Director of both companies despite her not being a shareholder. Furthermore, the lawsuit alleges that Charan secured loans totaling $3 million from Westpac and ANZ Bank without informing the other shareholders. It also alleges he has not distributed rental income collected since 2012, nor consulted them about the business accounts.
Represented by attorney Abhay Kumar Singh of A.K. Singh Law, Jagjeet not only seeks to nullify the alleged actions of Charan but is also suing both Ms. Singh and the companies’ lawyer Hemendra Nagin for purportedly assisting in the preparation of fraudulent documents for banking purposes.
The lawsuit has progressed to the point where Mr. Charan has been granted 28 days to respond, with a hearing scheduled for July 4 to allow both parties to present their submissions.
This situation raises significant concerns over corporate governance and accountability, particularly given the minister’s influential position in the government. Such allegations against a high-ranking official emphasize the need for transparency in both private business and public service. As the case unfolds, it is hoped that it will not only shed light on these allegations but also promote a culture of integrity in governance, encouraging public officials to act in the best interests of the community they serve.
These developments leave room for optimism regarding potential reforms and improved practices in Fiji’s business sector, as well as government accountability going forward.
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