President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere has suspended Chief Justice Kamal Kumar with full pay on the advice of the Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
The suspension is in accordance with Chapter 5, Part A, Section 111(4) of the 2013 Constitution following complaints lodged against Justice Kumar for alleged misbehaviour.
The contents of the complaints were put to Justice Kumar by Mr Rabuka on January 24, 2023.
His responses were received by Mr Rabuka on January 27, 2023.
Ratu Wiliame yesterday informed the Justice Kumar that having regard to the nature of some of the matters complained of and the responses by Justice Kumar, he (Justice Kumar) is suspended from office pending investigation and referral to the tribunal.
Ratu Wiliame will appoint the said tribunal pursuant to Chapter 5, Part A, Section 111(3)(a)(i) of the 2013 Constitution.
In accordance with Chapter 5, Part A, Section 106(3) of the 2013 Constitution and on the advice of the Prime Minister following consultation by the Prime Minister with the Attorney-General, Ratu Wiliame Justice Salesi Temo to act as the Chief Justice of Fiji.
Once appointed, the tribunal will liaise with the Chief Justice directly on the steps to take and procedures to govern its deliberations.
The Chief Justice is not required to vacate any official residence he occupies.
