The High Court in Suva has allocated four days to hear a noteworthy defamation lawsuit worth $1 million, initiated by Arnold Chanel, director of Duavata, against Elaine Chandra, the chief executive officer of Justice Pacific. The case stems from a Facebook post allegedly authored by Chandra on April 25, 2025, in which she criticized Chanel, labeling him as “unqualified” and insinuating that he should complete his degree, alongside other derogatory comments.
Chanel has also asserted that Chandra accused him of tax fraud in a separate post from April 20 of the previous year. He is seeking general damages, a permanent injunction to prevent further defamatory statements, and a public apology from Chandra.
Previously, the court dismissed Chanel’s ex parte application last year that sought to bar Chandra from making any further defamatory posts. The case was recently mentioned before Acting Master of the High Court Liyanage Kashyapa Wickramasekara, with the anticipation of nine witnesses providing testimony. The civil registry is in the process of confirming trial dates, and the case has been adjourned pending further notice.
This defamation suit highlights the difficulties those in public positions face regarding their reputation, particularly with the influence of social media. As the dialogue around online behavior evolves, the outcomes of such cases may establish significant legal precedents concerning defamation in the modern digital landscape. The proceedings not only spotlight individual accountability but also emphasize the broader implications for social media conduct and reputational safety in today’s interconnected world.