Office to appeal ruling

THE Office of the AttorneyGeneral will appeal against the decision of the court in the ruling delivered for ousted solicitor-general Sharvada Sharma this week.

Attorney-General Siromi Turaga confirmed in his visit to the West this week that there were several aspects to be considered in this landmark ruling.

“One thing is very clear, it came out that the government did not follow a process,” Mr Turaga said.

“And that’s exactly what we’re doing right now. They (the past administration) are alleging against us for not following the proper process.

“But here the court has spoken loud and clear that the process was not followed and that’s what we are doing right now, to appeal particularly on the issue of compensation, whether they were particularised.”

The A-G explained that the appeal would be based on public interest and that his office would also look at the basis on which damages were calculated among other avenues in the ruling.

“It’s too early to comment. People may have their opinions.

“I will get back to the office on Monday, we’ll discuss the issue.

“But, yes, that’s something I can say that we are looking at right now. It was plain clear that due process was not followed and that’s what we’re doing right now in terms of setting up a tribunal going forward.”

This week, the High Court in Suva ruled Mr Sharma’s termination was illegal and that he be compensated more than $2.2million in loss and damages.

The court ruled in favour of the former S-G who claimed he was unlawfully terminated by the FijiFirst administration in 2021.