The High Court has decided not to grant a pause in the legal proceedings involving former Fisheries Minister Kalaveti Ravu and Former Fisheries Regional Manager North Tekata Toaisi, who are confronting criminal charges. Earlier this month, the High Court had overturned their previous acquittal at the “no case to answer” stage, mandating the case’s return to the Magistrates’ Court for the defence to continue.
Ravu and Toaisi sought to delay this ruling while they appealed to the Court of Appeal, but Justice Daniel Goundar asserted that once a judgement is passed, the High Court is not authorized to suspend its own ruling. Any request for a stay must now be directed to the Court of Appeal, meaning that the proceedings in the Magistrates’ Court will proceed unless the Court of Appeal intervenes.
Ravu is accused of abuse of office due to allegations of interfering between July 25 and August 31, 2023, in a Ministry of Forestry investigation into the illegal trading of banned beche-de-mer species. Toaisi is facing charges of aiding abuse of office by allegedly assisting Ravu in this misconduct.
The continuation of these legal proceedings underlines the judiciary’s dedication to addressing misconduct in public service roles and highlights the importance of transparency and accountability within government operations. This case serves as a significant reminder of the critical role ethical conduct plays in maintaining public trust and democratic integrity.