FORMER chief executive officer of the Fiji Sports Council (FSC) Gilbert Vakalalabure’s application for judicial review in the High Court in Suva, challenging an internal board investigation and a $196,750 demand letter issued against him was called for the first time yesterday.
Justice Vishwa Dutt Sharma heard the application, with both parties directed to file their respective responses to the application before the next court date.
The application, filed on July 29, names the FSC as the respondent and challenges decisions arising from a board-led investigation into alleged mismanagement and unauthorised use of council funds.
Mr Vakalalabure is seeking an order of certiorari to quash the investigation report, its findings and a July 3, 2026, demand letter requiring him to pay $196,750 for alleged negligence and financial irregularities.
He contends the investigation was procedurally unfair and unlawful, and breached Section 16(1) of the 2013 Constitution, which guarantees the right to fair, lawful and prompt administrative action.
Mr Vakalalabure is also seeking orders of prohibition to restrain the FSC from publishing or distributing the report, enforcing the demand or withholding his contractual and statutory entitlements pending the court’s determination.
The application states that the relief sought relates strictly to the council’s internal administrative process and does not seek to restrain any independent investigation by police or FICAC.
The matter was adjourned to November 4.
