Latest news with #Shandil
Scoop
3 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Fiji: Follow The Right Procedure When Evicting Tenants
Press Release – Consumer Council of Fiji Fiji currently operates without comprehensive legislation specifically regulating rental housing. The existing framework consists solely of the Self-Regulating Guideline for Landlord and Tenant in Fiji, which serves as a non-binding reference for rental … Despite repeated warnings and previous public advisories, complaints related to unlawful and arbitrary evictions continue to pour in — prompting the Consumer Council of Fiji to renew its call for greater awareness and accountability in the rental housing sector. This is not the first time the Council is raising red flags about such practices, but the disturbing volume and nature of recent cases has made it necessary to spotlight the issue once again. From 2022 to date, the Council has received a total of 1,626 complaints related to landlord and tenancy matters, with a staggering monetary value of $823,610. Out of this, 500 complaints specifically concern eviction-related issues, valued at approximately $253,500. While each case differs in circumstance, the common thread is clear: landlords taking matters into their own hands, often at the expense of tenants' rights and wellbeing. 'These are not just numbers — they are lived experiences of families and individuals being uprooted, often without cause or legal process,' said Council CEO Seema Shandil. 'When a pregnant woman is evicted simply because of her condition, or a tenant is denied a bond refund on unfair grounds, it shows how vulnerable renters truly are in this system.' In a recent case, a woman was told to vacate her flat with just a week's notice, even while repairs were being done on the premises she was still occupying. Another complainant reported being removed because she was pregnant, and later had $70 deducted from her $200 bond under questionable circumstances. A third complainant claimed a house leader, acting as landlord, was collecting inflated rents from multiple tenants and attempting to evict others without cause — all while exceeding the agreed rental threshold. 'These cases reflect a broken framework,' Shandil stated. 'Without a Landlord-Tenancy Act or a tribunal to oversee such disputes, tenants are often left with no choice but to accept decisions that are neither fair nor legal.' Fiji currently operates without comprehensive legislation specifically regulating rental housing. The existing framework consists solely of the Self-Regulating Guideline for Landlord and Tenant in Fiji, which serves as a non-binding reference for rental agreements. While formal eviction procedures do exist under common law – requiring written notices and potential court involvement – many landlords frequently bypass these legal channels. Instead, they often resort to informal eviction methods, some of which may violate tenants' legal rights. The consequences for tenants are severe: emotional trauma, disrupted schooling, job insecurity, and financial hardship from last-minute relocations. The Council is urging tenants to document all communications, insist on formal agreements, and report any illegal actions. At the same time, landlords are reminded of their responsibilities under the law and the importance of following due process when dealing with rent issues or tenancy terminations. 'Evictions must be lawful, justified, and respectful of human dignity,' said Shandil. 'Until Fiji enacts legislation to govern this space, the onus remains on both parties to act in good faith — and on us as a society to demand better protections for those who rent.' Consumers experiencing unfair treatment or facing eviction threats are encouraged to contact the Council via its toll-free number 155 or email complaints@
Scoop
4 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Fiji: Follow The Right Procedure When Evicting Tenants
Despite repeated warnings and previous public advisories, complaints related to unlawful and arbitrary evictions continue to pour in — prompting the Consumer Council of Fiji to renew its call for greater awareness and accountability in the rental housing sector. This is not the first time the Council is raising red flags about such practices, but the disturbing volume and nature of recent cases has made it necessary to spotlight the issue once again. From 2022 to date, the Council has received a total of 1,626 complaints related to landlord and tenancy matters, with a staggering monetary value of $823,610. Out of this, 500 complaints specifically concern eviction-related issues, valued at approximately $253,500. While each case differs in circumstance, the common thread is clear: landlords taking matters into their own hands, often at the expense of tenants' rights and wellbeing. 'These are not just numbers — they are lived experiences of families and individuals being uprooted, often without cause or legal process,' said Council CEO Seema Shandil. 'When a pregnant woman is evicted simply because of her condition, or a tenant is denied a bond refund on unfair grounds, it shows how vulnerable renters truly are in this system.' In a recent case, a woman was told to vacate her flat with just a week's notice, even while repairs were being done on the premises she was still occupying. Another complainant reported being removed because she was pregnant, and later had $70 deducted from her $200 bond under questionable circumstances. A third complainant claimed a house leader, acting as landlord, was collecting inflated rents from multiple tenants and attempting to evict others without cause — all while exceeding the agreed rental threshold. 'These cases reflect a broken framework,' Shandil stated. 'Without a Landlord-Tenancy Act or a tribunal to oversee such disputes, tenants are often left with no choice but to accept decisions that are neither fair nor legal.' Fiji currently operates without comprehensive legislation specifically regulating rental housing. The existing framework consists solely of the Self-Regulating Guideline for Landlord and Tenant in Fiji, which serves as a non-binding reference for rental agreements. While formal eviction procedures do exist under common law - requiring written notices and potential court involvement - many landlords frequently bypass these legal channels. Instead, they often resort to informal eviction methods, some of which may violate tenants' legal rights. The consequences for tenants are severe: emotional trauma, disrupted schooling, job insecurity, and financial hardship from last-minute relocations. The Council is urging tenants to document all communications, insist on formal agreements, and report any illegal actions. At the same time, landlords are reminded of their responsibilities under the law and the importance of following due process when dealing with rent issues or tenancy terminations. 'Evictions must be lawful, justified, and respectful of human dignity,' said Shandil. 'Until Fiji enacts legislation to govern this space, the onus remains on both parties to act in good faith — and on us as a society to demand better protections for those who rent.' Consumers experiencing unfair treatment or facing eviction threats are encouraged to contact the Council via its toll-free number 155 or email complaints@
India Gazette
13-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"War never a solution to any problem; Dialogue is only way forward": Himachal Minister Shandil on India-Pak tensions
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], May 13 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh Minister for Sainik Welfare, Colonel (Retired) Dhani Ram Shandil, on Tuesday, emphasised the importance of responsible leadership and peaceful diplomacy amid tensions between India and Pakistan. Reacting to recent statements made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding cross-border issues and national security, Shandil said that all country people are united on the issue. 'A Prime Minister carries a huge responsibility, and they must fulfil that responsibility with seriousness. Whatever he said is indeed worth serious thought. Both the ruling party and the opposition are standing together with him,' said Shandil. 'War is never a solution to any problem. I've fought three wars myself. Dialogue is the only way forward,' he said. Shandil, who served as an army officer and is also a military scholar, pointed out the consistent strategy of Pakistan to destabilise India through a slow, continuous campaign of proxy warfare. 'If we look at Pakistan, their approach has always been that of 'bleeding the nation.' I have been a soldier in the army and a military student too. I have seen Pakistan's activities and the way they have structured them, this 'bleed India' doctrine, where they keep inflicting small but continuous damage, so that India cannot progress,' he said. Expressing shock over recent developments in Pakistan, the Himachal Pradesh Minister noted, 'It is truly astonishing that a Chief of Army Staff is saluting a terrorist upon his death. In service, they even elevate terrorists by making them religious leaders or Maulvis,' he said. Shandil warned of the grave consequences if such provocations continue unchecked. 'If once again such acts happen, which have now been stopped, the world must be made aware. Both nations in Asia are nuclear-armed. But there must be stability in this region,' he urged. Advocating for peace and economic growth, he added, 'If we want economic development and progress, then absolutely no to war, that is my belief.' Colonel Shandil also dismissed the idea of third-party mediation in the India-Pakistan conflict. 'I don't think any kind of mediation will help, nor has it ever helped. We believe in direct dialogue. Intervention by America or any other external player is not acceptable,' he said. India has launched 'Operation Sindoor' on May 7 to strike multiple terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir in retaliation for a deadly attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22 in which 26 tourists were killed. (ANI)
