Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry is taking legal action against Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad, alleging defamation. Chaudhry’s Statement of Claim points to comments made by Prof Prasad on August 1, 2024, where he reportedly referred to Chaudhry as “the biggest crook” who was hiding $2 million in Australia.
These remarks were also published in local media. Chaudhry asserts that the comments are false, malicious, and intended to suggest he is a thief who concealed funds overseas. Additionally, Prof Prasad claimed that residents of Haryana, India, contributed money to help resettle Chaudhry’s family for their safety given the political climate in Fiji.
According to Prof Prasad, between November 2000 and April 2002, Chaudhry allegedly deposited funds received via the Indian Consul General’s Office in Sydney into his Commonwealth Bank of Australia account. Chaudhry asserts that Prof Prasad was aware of the truth when making his statements, which he knew to be false.
Chaudhry is seeking compensation for loss and damage, and despite a notice from Chaudhry’s legal team demanding a retraction of the statement on August 12, 2024, Prof Prasad has not retracted his claims. The Court has yet to set a date to hear the case.