Former Fiji Corrections Service commissioner Dr Jalesi Nakarawa has launched a judicial review challenge in the High Court, seeking to overturn his removal from office and be reinstated to the position.
Dr Nakarawa is seeking leave to challenge the February 26, 2026, decision by the President to remove him as commissioner.
Respondents in the proceedings are the President, the Constitutional Offices Commission (COC), and the Attorney-General.
Dr Nakarawa is seeking a stay of the decision removing him pending the determination of the substantive judicial review proceedings.
He argues that the tribunal established under section 137(3) of the Constitution exceeded its jurisdiction by investigating matters that were operational and administrative in nature, many of which he says had already been addressed internally or fell within his statutory powers as commissioner.
Dr Nakarawa also argues that decisions relating to nurse practitioner positions, temporary correctional officer recruitment, staff terminations, and the implementation of the Job Evaluation Exercise were lawful administrative and operational decisions made within his authority.
The matter was called for the first time before Justice Vishwa Dutt Sharma yesterday, who granted the parties 21 days to file their affidavits and any reply before the matter proceeded further.
The matter has been adjourned to August 10 for further directions.
