A three-member Tribunal tasked with investigating allegations against the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Christopher Pryde, has concluded that the claims of misbehavior against him were not substantiated. The Tribunal, chaired by Justice Anare Tuilevuka and supported by Justice Chaitanya Lakshman and Justice Samuela Qica, advised President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu that Pryde should not be removed from his position.
The Tribunal’s report was submitted to the President on December 23, 2024. Following a thorough review, the President expressed appreciation for the Tribunal’s work, which has contributed valuable jurisprudence on the previously undefined concept of “misbehavior” under the Constitution. This report sets a precedent and is expected to aid the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) in handling future complaints against judicial officers, including the DPP and others appointed by the JSC.
In addition to addressing the allegations, the Tribunal recommended the establishment of guiding policies to streamline the evaluation of complaints against judicial and quasi-judicial officers, emphasizing the need for consistency, transparency, and accountability.
To facilitate Pryde’s return to duty, the suspension he faced since April 13, 2023, will be lifted, and he will receive back pay along with all official equipment.
The Tribunal’s findings, now made available online in accordance with constitutional requirements, underline the importance of accountability in the judicial process.
This decision underscores a commitment to upholding the integrity of judicial appointments and enhancing governance in Fiji’s legal framework, offering hope for a more systematic and transparent approach to addressing grievances within the judicial system.
Overall, the findings affirm that due process was followed, potentially increasing public trust in the judicial institutions of the country and paving the way for improved policies in the future.
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