Lawyer Rajendra Chaudhry who is residing in Auckland, New Zealand has been sentenced to 15 months imprisonment. Chaudhry has also been fined $50, 000 by the Civil High court in Suva for making comments against the judiciary on social media.
Chaudhry was found guilty of contempt of court in April. His sentence comes in effect on the day he is arrested. The court heard that between September 3rd and 18th last year, Chaudhry had posted a range of scandalous, defamatory and derogatory comments against the Judiciary and its members on his Facebook page.
Acting Chief Justice Kamal Kumar has also ordered a bench warrant be issued against Chaudhry. He has also been ordered to pay $3, 000 as the cost to the applicant. Justice Kumar said that Chaudhry showed no remorse for his action and that his comments against the judiciary were unwarranted and scandalous.
The High court Judge also said that the technology is developing rapidly and people should avoid posting unwarranted contents. Justice Kumar also said that the comments made by Chaudhry was serious and done deliberately.
Source: FBC
