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The Fiji Independent Legal Services Commission today refused an application by lawyer Abhay Singh to grant a stay on a ruling by the Commission to disbar him.
However, it put on hold pending appeal an order last week that Singh pay a fine of $1000 within 28 days.
The Commission last week found Singh guilty of professional misconduct and imposed the fine.
The judgment means Singh will no longer be permitted to practice as a lawyer.
As part of his appeal, Singh pleaded with the Commission that he had no other means of income and was depending on his wife and son’s earnings in Australia for his livelihood.
Singh said he was also finding it difficult to meet his monthly expenses that include a $900 vehicle loan repayment and office space rental.
Commission lawyer Virisila Lidise said Singh did not disclose his bank statements to justify his claims and that having been a lawyer for quite some time, he should have some savings.
Commissioner John Connors in his judgment said the monetary penalty was appropriate and that Singh could not practice law anymore in Fiji.
Singh plans to leave for Australia tomorrow morning for a medical checkup and will appear again before the Commission this afternoon on other appeals pending against him by the Commission.
