The High Court in Suva is currently deliberating on the scheduling of a trial date for October or November in a civil case between former finance minister Professor Biman Prasad and Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhary. The case was addressed before Justice Anjala Wati yesterday, centering on allegations made by Prof Prasad against Mr Chaudhary for publishing false and defamatory statements about him on social media since 2023.
Court documents indicate that Mr Chaudhary made a post last year accusing Prof Prasad of allocating $200,000 intended for the Girmit Conference to the Global Girmit Institute (GGI), which was at that time described as discredited and deregistered. The post further alleged that GGI sought re-registration in February 2023, identifying Prof Prasad’s wife, Rajni Kaushal Chand, as well as Ganesh Chand and Hirdesh Sharma, as trustees. Mr Chaudhary insinuated that Prof Prasad improperly authorized the release of government funds without following established procedures.
In his defense, Prof Prasad, represented by Sherani & Co, asserts that the post remains publicly accessible and has caused significant damage to his reputation. He plans to present five witnesses during the trial, while Mr Chaudhary intends to call upon seven witnesses to support his case. The proceedings have been adjourned until April 9, when a trial date is expected to be established.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges surrounding public statements made on social media and their potential impact on individuals’ reputations, reinforcing the importance of responsible communication in the digital age. As the court case develops, it promises to further explore the complexities of defamation law and its implications for public figures.