SIR Clifford Grant, who had served as Fiji’s Chief Justice since 1974, was reported to be stepping down from his position by October 1980.
An article published by The Fiji Times on November 16 that same year stated that this was announced by the Governor-General, Ratu Sir George Cakobau (pictured top left), in a statement issued by Government House.
The statement said that Sir Grant had “acted with propriety” in informing the Governor-General of the Prime Minister’s wish to have him replaced by a local judge.
The statement came a week after Prime Minister Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara had confirmed reports that he had first suggested retirement to Sir Grant before asking the Governor-General to replace him under the Fiji Constitution’s Localisation provisions.
While in Canberra on an official visit, Ratu Mara told the Australian National Press Club that he was “absolutely clear” that he had not been interfering with the judiciary.
After saying that, he said Sir Grant had visited the Governor-General quite frequently; so he asked, “Is that independence of the judiciary?”
The PM said he wanted to see a local chief justice appointed, and certainly before the 10th anniversary of independence in October 1980.
He said he had one of three local judges in mind for the appointment, which needed the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition as well.
The Government House statement said, “By virtue of the provisions of the Constitution, the Chief Justice acted with propriety in referring to the Governor-General the views of the PM of which the Governor-General had no prior knowledge.
“The Chief Justice has since informed the Governor-General that he is not prepared to remain in office for any longer than the Governor-General considers absolutely necessary.”
The Governor-General understood and respected these feelings, the statement said, and “with the utmost reluctance, with the release of the Chief Justice from his duties by 9 October 1980, being the date on which the Chief Justice’s current tour of duty ends.
“The Governor-General wishes to place on record his appreciation of the Chief Justice’s invaluable services to the country and his outstanding contribution to the administration of justice.”
