25 May 2009

Fiji higher courts reopen but Chief Justice takes leave

1:43 pm on 25 May 2009

Fiji's higher courts are reported to have resumed today although the Chief Justice, Anthony Gates, has gone on leave.

Seven weeks after all judicial appointments were revoked and the Constitution abrogated, the courts have reopened.

This follows the swearing in last Friday of Anthony Gates as Chief Justice along with Justices Devendra Pathik, Daniel Gounder and Sosefa Inoke as High Court judges.

The re-appointed Chief Justice, who had been sidelined for nearly two months, is now on leave, and his office says he is expected back at work next week.

More High Court judges are expected to be appointed soon.