The High Court in Suva has dismissed former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama’s legal action against the Fiji Government over claims of unpaid pension and gratuity.
The ruling was delivered by Justice Daniel Goundar this morning, effectively ending the civil case in which Mr Bainimarama alleged that the Government had failed to pay him his correct retirement entitlements.
Mr Bainimarama had taken legal action against the State and named the Attorney-General as the second defendant in a case that attracted widespread public interest due to his long tenure as prime minister and his continued presence in national political discourse.
This civil action alleged that the Government incorrectly calculated his pension based on a reduced salary during the COVID period.
He claimed his pension should have been $246,562.50 annually, but it was instead reduced to $184,921.87.
Additionally, Bainimarama alleged a shortfall in his lump sum gratuity payment, which should have been $770,507.87, but was only $433,296.75.
He sought a remaining gratuity balance of $337,211.12 and a fortnightly pension of $7112.37, plus 13.5 percent annual interest.
In addition to the dismissal, Justice Goundar ordered Bainimarama to pay $5000 in costs to the defendants within 21 days.
