The High Court in Suva yesterday ordered parties in a civil case concerning the appointment of the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) to file amended Terms of Settlement by January 14, 2026.
Justice Dane Tuiqereqere heard the matter and adjourned it to January 22.
The proceedings arise from a civil action filed by the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), challenging the findings and recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the appointment of Barbra Malimali as FICAC Commissioner.
Chief Justice Salesi Temo and Chief Registrar Tomasi Bainivalu, who also served as secretary to the JSC, are listed as the appellants.
The respondents are the COI, the Attorney-General of Fiji and Justice David E. Ashton Lewis.
Fa and Company appeared for the JSC, while Ropate Green and Hemendra Nagin appeared for the COI and the respondents.
During earlier proceedings, Justice Tuiqereqere sought clarification on who had authority to represent the COI.
Mr Green informed the court that the COI had completed its inquiry and submitted its report to the President, and that the State now acts on behalf of the COI.
The court was also informed of issues relating to the proposed Terms of Settlement, which Justice Tuiqereqere directed the parties to address in their amended filing ahead of the ruling.
The JSC is seeking orders to quash the findings and recommendations of the COI relating to the FICAC appointment.
