Supreme Court Continues Hearing on Constitution Case

The Supreme Court of Fiji has started its second day of hearings on an important case about the Constitution, held at the Old Parliament Complex in Veiuto.

The case was brought by the government, through the Solicitor-General’s Office, to ask the Court to clarify how the 2013 Constitution can be changed, specifically, what steps and approval levels are needed.

The State’s arguments are being led by senior Australian lawyer Bret Walker SC, together with the Solicitor-General. The Minister for Justice and Acting Attorney-General is also present, showing the government’s focus on being open and accountable during the process.

The Court has allowed several groups to join the hearing and share their views. These include political parties, opposition leader Hon. Inia Seruiratu, the Fiji Law Society, and the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞:

• whether some parts of the Constitution can be changed,

• what exact process and level of support is needed for changes, and

• whether the 1997 Constitution still has any legal effect.

The hearings will run until 22 August, and the Court will give its formal opinion on 5 September 2025.