Former vice-chancellor and president of the University of the South Pacific, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, is expected to give evidence in a civil case involving former Pacific TAFE CEO Hasmukh Lal.
Mr Lal filed the lawsuit against the university in 2020, claiming his employment contract, renewed in 2019 for three years, was wrongfully withheld and that Prof Ahluwalia attempted to coerce him into leaving the senior management team.
He also alleges that a confidential report prepared by the vice-chancellor in 2019 was leaked on social media, damaging his reputation.
The university, represented by Feizal Haniff filed a counterclaim, alleging Mr Lal used university funds to pay for his Doctorate in Business Administration, seeking $26,553.55 in reimbursement.
Justice Anjala Wati was told Prof Ahluwalia, currently overseas, will give the longest testimony.
The matter has been adjourned to March 6 to fix a continuation trial date.
