The High Court in Labasa has ruled in favour of the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) in its civil action against Savusavu businessman Hermant Kumar, ordering him to vacate a property he has been occupying under the business name King Fashion within 14 days.
The judgment, delivered by Acting Master Liyanage Kashyapa Wickramasekara on October 2, 2025, found that Kumar had failed to pay rent as required and continued to occupy the premises unlawfully after the expiry of his tenancy agreement.
Court documents revealed that TLTB issued an eviction notice to Mr Kumar on February 17, 2025, which was served through registered post and hand delivery at his business premises. Despite the notice, the defendant did not vacate the property, prompting legal action.
In his ruling, Acting Master Wickramasekara said the defendant (Mr Kumar) failed to provide credible evidence to support his claims about rental disputes and renovation expenses.
“The dispute concerning the rent lacks clear evidential support,” he stated.
“The defendant has no colour of right to continue occupying the subject property at this time.”
The court ordered Mr Kumar to settle all overdue rent within 30 days and pay TLTB $3,000 in legal costs.
