SODELPA MP Mosese Bulitavu will remain a Member of Parliament and his seat will not be deemed vacant.
Chief Justice Kamal Kumar has dismissed and struck out the case filed by SODELPA Leader Viliame Gavoka against Bulitavu.
Gavoka had filed an application in the Court of Disputed Returns that Bulitavu's seat in Parliament be deemed vacant after he went against the party’s directives.
Bulitavu had supported the 2021/2022 National Budget and the Bill to Amend the iTaukei Land Trust Act in Parliament.
Chief Justice Kumar has ruled that no directive was given by the SODELPA Management to its members to vote against Bill No 17 and the 2021/2022 National Budget.
He says even if any directive was issued, there is no evidence to suggest that the information was communicated by the Party Leader or Leader of Opposition to its members.
Chief Justice Kumar has also ruled that both parties are liable to pay their own costs.
After the win, Bulitavu also credited Labasa lawyer, Sushil Sharma for handling the case as he says Sharma has put Labasa on the map.
