Suspended parliamentarian, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu’s lawyer, Simione Valenitabua tried to file another matter for constitutional redress when the case was called before Chief Justice Anthony Gates today.
Valenitabua originally made an application challenging the Speaker Doctor Jiko Luveni’s decision to suspend Ratu Naiqama for two years from parliament.
After Valenitabua informed the court that he was trying to file the second application, Chief Justice Gates told him that they need to consider this as it may be a duplication of proceedings.
Chief Justice Gates also asked Valenitabua what is their main course of action. He has given them two weeks to sort out the matter.
Solicitor General, Sharvada Sharma told the court today that they have filed a strike out application on the original application.
Sharma says he is disappointed that Ratu Naiqama’s lawyers are trying to file the second application.
The Solicitor General says Ratu Naiqama’s lawyers are trying to waste the court’s time.
Sharma also says he is surprised that Ratu Naiqama’s lawyers are still trying to sort out their course of action.
He says they will continue to argue their strike out application when everything is filed. The matter has been adjourned to 30th July for mention.
Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu was suspended for two years from parliament after the recommendation from the Parliamentary Privileges Committee and a majority vote supporting the suspension in parliament.
