Director of public prosecutions Christopher Thomas Pryde has filed an application in the High Court in Suva seeking leave to judicially review decisions made by the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) and the President of the Republic of Fiji to suspend his salary, allowances, and benefits.
The application filed on October 20, challenges what Mr Pryde describes as unconstitutional, unreasonable, and unlawful actions by both respondents.
According to court documents filed, Mr Pryde is seeking to quash the JSC’s recommendation and the President’s subsequent decision made on July 25, 2025, which ordered the suspension of his salary and benefits “until further notice.”
The suspension, according to the JSC, stemmed from alleged breaches of Mr Pryde’s service agreement and conditions outlined in a letter issued on January 7, 2025.
Mr Pryde contends that both decisions were made in breach of Fiji’s Constitution, specifically Sections 16, 82, 112, and 117. He argues that the process was procedurally unfair, violated the presumption of innocence, and failed to comply with the rules of natural justice.
“The Judicial Services Commission acted unreasonably, irrationally, illegally, and unfairly,” the court application states.
“The Applicant was never given a hearing, nor was he afforded the opportunity to respond to the allegations before the drastic step of suspending his salary and benefits was taken.”
The filing further claims that under Section 117(5) of the Constitution, the remuneration of the Director of Public Prosecutions cannot be varied to his disadvantage except as part of a general austerity measure.
Mr Pryde argues that the suspension of his pay and entitlements was not part of any such policy and was, therefore, unconstitutional.
“The actions of the First and Second Respondents were inconsistent with the right to lawful, rational, proportionate, and procedurally fair administrative action guaranteed under Section 16(1)(a) of the Constitution.”
The former DPP is seeking several remedies, including an order of certiorari to quash both the JSC’s recommendation and the President’s decision, a declaration that both actions were unlawful, unconstitutional, invalid, and of no effect, an order directing the immediate reinstatement of his salary and benefits, damages for distress, humiliation, injury to feelings, and harm to reputation, exemplary and aggravated damages and legal costs on a full solicitor-client basis.
The case is being pursued through AK Lawyers of Nadi.
A court date is set to be assigned soon.
