The Fiji Law Society has called for the resignation of Justice David Ashton Lewis from his position as Commissioner of the Commission of Inquiry (COI), citing serious concerns over judicial independence and conduct.

In a public statement, Society President Wylie Clarke expressed alarm over comments made by Justice Lewis, which he says threaten the integrity and independence of Fiji’s judiciary—particularly at the level of its highest court, the Supreme Court.

“Fiji has made significant progress since 2022 to strengthen judicial independence and build more robust and impartial courts,” Clarke said.

“That progress must not be undermined by conduct that compromises judicial standards.”

The Law Society pointed specifically to remarks made by Justice Lewis that included frequent references to his interactions with the Prime Minister.

Clarke described these as “intemperate comments” and argued they reflect a troubling lack of understanding of the judge’s dual roles—as both a Supreme Court justice and a commissioner leading a politically sensitive inquiry.

“Independence from the Government and political actors is a fundamental requirement for any judge,” Clarke stressed.

“In view of his comments, no one appearing before a Supreme Court bench on which Justice Ashton Lewis sits can be confident the court will consider legal issues fairly and independently, especially those with political implications.”

The call for Justice Lewis’s resignation underscores growing concern within the legal community about maintaining public confidence in the judiciary, particularly in high-profile and politically charged matters.