CHIEF Justice Salesi Temo has cleared all cases scheduled for August to prioritise the constitutional reference on the validity of the 2013 Constitution.
“I’ve scrapped all the cases for this particular case,” Justice Temo said. “I’m putting this case as top priority.”
Justice Temo signaled the case’s national and international importance yesterday after concerns were raised by legal representatives about the court’s proposed timetable.
He said the court would proceed according to its own schedule, urging all parties to align with the set timeline.
“Counsel must come to the party determined by the court.
“We know that the hearings should be from 11th to the 15th of August.”
However, Chief Justice urged counsels to be prepared as these are tentative dates, either proceeding as follows or August 18 to 22, with the judgment to be delivered on August 29.
Under the current timetable, all parties are expected to file their constitutional statements of fact by June 19, with directives to be issued on June 20.
“We’ll adjourn to the 20th of June for another direction hearing.
“You’ll get a copy of the discourse today and we’ll send it to all the interveners.”
Justice Temo said the judiciary was fully committed to ensuring the case is handled with urgency and depth, noting that additional judges would be brought into the Supreme Court specifically for this matter.
“I’m getting these judges to concentrate on this case because I know it’s important, not only for Fiji but internationally.
“Time is of the essence.”
He also noted that the structured timeline was intended to maximise efficiency and value for money in handling such a critical legal matter.
