Former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama’s appeal against a High Court ruling on his salary, pension and gratuity entitlements will be heard by the Court of Appeal on the 11th of November.

The matter was called before High Court Judge Justice Chandana Prematikala this morning.

Bainimarama’s lawyer, Gul Fatima, confirmed that a copy of the court records has been served on the respondents — the Government and the Office of the Attorney-General.

The appeal challenges a judgment delivered by Justice Daniel Goundar, with Bainimarama arguing that the High Court made errors in interpreting the law relating to parliamentary remuneration and retirement benefits.

His lawyers have raised four main grounds of appeal.

The first challenges the High Court’s finding that a temporary reduction in parliamentary salaries and allowances remained in effect until Parliament made a new determination.

Bainimarama is also challenging the calculation of his pension.

His third ground of appeal concerns Section 80 of the Constitution, which protects the remuneration of the Prime Minister and other senior parliamentary office holders from being reduced to their disadvantage, except where an overall austerity reduction is applied similarly to State officers.

The fourth ground challenges a $5,000 costs order made against Bainimarama.

His lawyers argue that the High Court did not provide sufficient reasons to justify the amount awarded.

Bainimarama is asking the Court of Appeal to set aside the High Court orders and have his pension and gratuity recalculated.

The appeal will now be heard on the 11th of November.