Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has filed a defamation lawsuit against Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad. The lawsuit stems from comments made by Prasad on August 1, 2024, in which he allegedly referred to Chaudhry as “the biggest crook” who concealed $2 million in Australia.
Chaudhry asserts that these statements are false and malicious, aimed at depicting him as a thief who hides money abroad. Prasad’s remarks were reported in both a news website and a local newspaper.
Additionally, Prasad mentioned that residents of Haryana, India, contributed funds to help relocate Chaudhry’s family for their safety due to political tensions in Fiji. He claimed that between November 2000 and April 2002, Chaudhry received money deposited through the Indian Consul General Office in Sydney into his account at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
Chaudhry is seeking compensation for loss and damages, asserting that Prasad was aware of the truth when he made those statements and has not withdrawn them, even after receiving a notice from Chaudhry’s attorney on August 12, 2024. The court has yet to schedule a date to hear the case.