Clarifications were sought on false complaints in regards to the Code of Conduct Bill during a public consultation in Lautoka today.

This question was raised by Lautoka City Council Representative, Swastika Kamoe who wanted to know if under the Bill, complaints made to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights will be confidential.

“What if there is a false complaint, what if someone is purposely doing a complaint to pin somebody down and if the committee investigates and it’s a fake complaint. So if the complainant is indemnified what happens.”

Responding to the question, Committee chair, Alvick Maharaj says these fake complainants can still be taken to task.

“If such things happen and if someone is actually trying to defame someone or give false information to the commission they will be dealt with under Part 13 of the Bill.”

The Committee is also hoping that more submissions will be heard made by the public when they move to Nadi tomorrow.