The Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Thomas Pryde, has initiated a judicial review in the High Court in Suva regarding the suspension of his salary, allowances, and benefits by the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) and the President of Fiji. Filed on October 20, Pryde’s application challenges what he asserts are unconstitutional and unlawful actions taken against him.
Pryde’s concern stems from a decision made on July 25, 2023, which he claims was lacking in legal justification. This decision followed complaints that cited alleged violations of his service agreement, allegations he strongly refutes. He contends that the JSC’s recommendation to suspend his benefits violates several constitutional principles, notably the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair hearing.
In his application, Pryde highlights that he was not afforded the chance to respond to the accusations before the abrupt suspension of his salary. He argues that according to Section 117(5) of the Fijian Constitution, his remuneration should not be decreased unless it falls within the context of a broader austerity policy, which he believes does not apply to him.
Pryde has previously expressed his readiness to fulfill his official duties, provided that the JSC complies with its constitutional obligations and addresses the grievances against him appropriately. He noted procedural deficiencies by the JSC, particularly regarding the delegation of its duties to external bodies, which he argues is unconstitutional and undermines due process.
Represented by AK Lawyers, Pryde seeks various remedies through the court, including the annulment of the JSC’s recommendations and the Presidential decision, the reinstatement of his salary, and compensation for emotional distress and damage to his reputation. This legal case raises important questions about governance and the separation of powers in Fiji’s judicial system, with the potential to set a significant precedent for the conduct of senior legal officers in the future.
The court is expected to establish a date for further examination of the claims soon. There is cautious optimism that these legal proceedings may prompt necessary improvements in transparency and accountability within Fiji’s judicial processes, thereby reinforcing the principles of fairness and due process for individuals undergoing disciplinary assessments.