Justice of the Peace plays a vital role in the community and the legal system and that should not be taken lightly – Chief Justice

Chief Justice Kamal Kumar says that he is aware that some of the reasons the appointments of the Justice of the Peace were revoked or not renewed are that they charged fees for witnessing documents, asked for favours, disclosed confidential information and failure to update the log books.

He made these comments as 10 new Justice of the Peace were sworn in at the Suva Court House this morning.

Chief Justice Kumar says it has been brought to the attention of his Office that in certain instances, members of the public have been turned away by the JP’s for no good reason.

He further says that the JP’s play a vital role in the community and the legal system and that should not be taken lightly adding that their actions reflect on the whole legal system.

Chief Justice Kumar also urged the new JP’s to not let their political affiliation and commitment interfere with their performance, not to take money for providing services and ensure that any comments they post on social media is not considered as immoral.

Chief Justice Kumar says it is encouraging to see young people coming forward to take up the role of JP and serve the community.

The 10 people that were sworn in this morning were Jyotika Devi, Kelereyani Rakavono, Mahmood Khan, Matthew Chand, Penioni Ravunawa, Rajesh Narayan, Ranadi Kubukawa, Rohit Chand, Sakiusa Bolaira and Vineel Kumar.