Malimali's judicial review hearing set for October 27th

The judicial review case of former FICAC Commissioner, Barbara Malimali, has been scheduled for hearing on October 27th.

Suva High Court Judge, Justice Dane Tuiqereqere has ordered the State to pay $1,500 by Friday.

This payment is for the cost of the judgment on leave, which was made on July 21st.

Malimali’s lawyer Tanya Waqanika is to file their submissions by October 17th, while the State will file their response by October 20th.

The State has been given 7 days to respond to the affidavit in opposition and if the applicant wishes to respond, they have been given 14 days to do so.

Malimali's application seeks a judicial review of the powers exercised by the President, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, in terminating her appointment based on advice from Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.

This means the court will review Malimali’s legal argument that the President did not have constitutional authority to dismiss her as FICAC Commissioner solely on the Prime Minister’s advice.

Rabuka had first announced Malimali’s suspension and later confirmed that the President had dismissed her following his recommendation.