Fiji’s civil procedure rules are being reviewed to make the justice system more efficient.
This was confirmed by Fiji Law Reform Commission (FLRC) Director Raijeli Tuivaga, who said the review is being undertaken in collaboration with the Judicial Department following the appointment of a Civil Rules Review Committee.
Ms Tuivaga said the committee would conduct a comprehensive assessment of existing rules governing civil court proceedings, aimed at improving efficiency, accessibility and the timely administration of justice.
“The review will include stakeholder consultations and draw on international best practices,” She said.
“The appointment marks an important step toward strengthening Fiji’s justice system.
“The Civil Rules Review Committee brings together a wealth of judicial and legal expertise.”
Ms Tuivaga said the committee’s work would be critical in ensuring the civil justice system remains responsive to the needs of its users.
The committee is chaired by Alipate Qetaki, Resident Justice of Appeal, and includes Senileba Levaci and Mohammed Azhar as members.
Justice Qetaki brings more than four decades of experience in judicial service, public administration, and legislative drafting, including serving as Executive Chairperson of the FLRC and Fiji’s first Parliamentary Counsel.
Justice Levaci has extensive experience in civil litigation, corporate law and policy, with a background spanning the judiciary, private practice and the public sector.
Acting Justice Azhar contributes broad judicial experience across Fiji and Sri Lanka, alongside expertise in international trade law and private legal practice.
Fiji’s civil procedure rules have not undergone a major, comprehensive overhaul in decades and are still largely based on frameworks established in the 1980s, primarily the High Court Rules 1988, with some related procedures dating back even earlier.
