3 key witnesses cannot be present in court for suspended CJ’s hearing due to medical conditions

The tribunal hearing in the matter where complaints of misbehaviour were made against Chief Justice Kamal Kumar has been adjourned to a later date.

The tribunal hearing was to begin today and go on for the next 3 days however, tribunal chair retired Justice David Ashton-Lewis says the matter has to be adjourned to a later date as three key witnesses cannot be present in court due to medical conditions.

The suspended Chief Justice Kumar was not present in court.

The other members of the tribunal include Justice Filimoni Jitoko, Justice Jiten Singh and Justice William Calanchini.

Kumar is represented by King's Counsel Anthony Morris and Laurel Vaurasi.

Kumar was suspended in January this year after complaints of misbehaviour.

The contents of the complaints were put to Kumar by the Prime Minister on the 24th of January 2023.

His responses were received by the Prime Minister on the 27th of January 2023.

The President on the 29th of January informed Kumar that having regard to the nature of some of the matters complained of and the responses, he is suspended from office pending investigation and referral to the tribunal.