The High Court in Suva has set aside four days to hear a significant defamation lawsuit valued at $1 million filed by Duavata director Arnold Chanel against Elaine Chandra, the chief executive officer of Justice Pacific. The case revolves around a Facebook post allegedly made by Chandra on April 25, 2025, in which she referred to Chanel as the Duavata editor, labeling him as “unqualified” and suggesting he should finish his degree. The post contained other derogatory comments directed at him.
Additionally, Chanel claims that Chandra previously accused him of tax fraud in a post made on April 20 of last year. As part of his lawsuit, he is seeking general damages, a permanent injunction against further defamatory remarks, and a public apology from Chandra.
The court had previously dismissed Chanel’s ex parte application last year, which sought to prevent Chandra from making any additional defamatory posts. The case was mentioned on February 6 before Acting Master of the High Court Liyanage Kashyapa Wickramasekara, with nine witnesses expected to testify. The civil registry will confirm the trial dates, and the matter has been adjourned until further notice.
This case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by individuals in the public eye regarding reputation and social media’s role in potential defamation. As discussions surrounding online conduct continue to evolve, the outcomes of such cases may set important precedents for future legal interpretations of defamation in the digital age.