Faction seeks $10,000
THE High Court in Suva will rule on the costs involved in the matter between the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) and a faction of the party on July 9.
The matter was called before High Court judge Justice Vishwa Sharma yesterday and was set for hearing.
Appearing on instructions from AK Lawyers and representing Watisoni Nata and others, lawyer Romanu Vananalagi told the court they were seeking costs of $10,000 in the matter.
Simione Valenitabua Sr, representing SODELPA and others, had filed an application to withdraw the application to stay proceedings of a matter dealt with earlier.
He said they were withdrawing on the grounds an appeal filed at the Court of Appeal had been deemed “abandoned” under the Court of Appeal rules.
He said the $10,000 sought was unreasonable and asked that should costs be considered, the amount should be reasonable.
Mr Vananalagi turned down Justice Sharma’s suggestion that both parties meet and resolve the issue on costs before July 7.
The case is between Ro Filipe Tuisawau, Anare Jale, Adi Litia Qionibaravi and Usaia Waqatairewa and Watisoni Nata and others.
Mr Nata represented a faction who challenged the party’s conduct during its general assembly in Savusavu in June last year.
The group included Emele Duituturaga, Kesaia Makita, Asenaca Ravulo, Rogowale Seniviavia, Dr Mere Samisoni, Jope Koroisavou, Silivenusi Waqausa and Malakai Vuetibau.
Justice Sharma had earlier ruled the party’s 2019 annual general meeting (AGM) and election held last year in Savusavu was unlawful, invalid and ineffective.