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\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT SUVA
\par CIVIL JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6846601 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6846601 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 CIVIL ACTION NO. 256 OF 2000
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6846601 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6846601 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 Between:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6846601 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6846601 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 JOELI NAITEI
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 Plaintiff
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6846601 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6846601 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601 And}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6846601 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6846601 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6846601 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6846601 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL OF FIJI}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 

\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6846601 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 Defendants
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\par Mr. S. Valenitabua for the plaintiff
\par Ms. P. Raj for the Defendants
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6846601 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 DECISION
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\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 On 15 June 2000 the plaintiff filed an Originating Summons seeking various declarations and orders arising out of his alleged unlawful dismissal by the first defendant (D1).}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 He also seeks an Order that the first defendant \lquote }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
reinstates the plaintiff to the plaintiff\rquote s former position as Technical Assistant (Vehicle Examiner) at the Road Transport Department-cum-Land Transport Authority and to pay the plaintiff commensurate renumeration}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 \rquote .
\par 
\par The defendants are opposing the Summons.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 On 15 February 2001 they filed a Summons to Strike Out supported by an affidavit.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 The Plaintiff has filed a Reply in opposition to the said affidavit.
\par 
\par The }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 issue}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601  for the Court\rquote s d
etermination is whether the action should rightly have been brought by way of judicial review, rather than by an action begun by Originating Summons.
\par 
\par This was raised as a preliminary point by the learned counsel for the defendants.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4079605 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 Determination of the issue}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6846601 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
\par I}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 have before me helpful written submissions from both counsel and I have given them due consideration.
\par 
\par The plaintiff was by letter titled \lquote Letter of Probationary Appointment\rquote  dated 6.12.95 appointed on probation to be a Technical Assistant (Vehicle Examiner) in the}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 then Road Transport Department with effect from 6.12.95 on certain terms and conditions which included in clause \lquote 9':}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601 "}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 This appointment is subject to production of a satisfactory medical report and police clearance}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 . Before his said appointment he was in 1993 convicted of traffic offences when he was fined and disqualified from driving for 12 months.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
The plaintiff said that he disclosed his conviction to the interviewing panel and yet later he was terminated from employment which he said is unlawful.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 The defendants denied that his conviction was disclosed as alleged.
\par 
\par The issue for determination is very similar to the one that arose in }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 Ram Prasad s/o Ram Rattan and The Attorney-General of Fiji}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601  (Civil Action No. 311 of 1992 - judgment 12 September 1997 - Pathik J).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 This decision was upheld by the Court of Appeal (Civil Appeal No. 58 of 1997S).
\par 
\par The first defendant in this case performed a public duty.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
The plaintiff was governed, inter alia, by the Public Service Commission (Constitution) Regulations 1990 (the }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 Regulations}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 ).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
On the facts of this case the plaintiff should have proceeded by way of judicial review of the defendant\rquote s (D1) decision.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 The plaintiff is seeking to enforce a public right on the performance by the defendant of a public duty.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 Hence the decision is susceptible to judicial review.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
It is different if there is a contract between the aggrieved person and the public body; and in this regard it is worth noting the following passage from the book }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 The Applicant\rquote 
s Guide to Judicial Review}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601  by }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 Lee Bridges}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
 and Others at p.5:
\par  
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6846601 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601 "}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
However, if there is a contract between the aggrieved person and the public body then it is likely that any actions or decisions the body makes in relation to that person will be governed by private law rather than public law.}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 The individual will not there
fore be able to challenge them by judicial review: his or her remedy will be to sue for damages (and/or a declaration or injunction) in an ordinary civil court or tribunal}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601 "}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601  
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6846601 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
\par In this case there is no contract between the plaintiff and the defendant and hence no question of private law arises.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 The }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601 "}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
question will depend to an extent on the kind of body to be challenged and more so on the functions they are exercising in the particular case}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601  (}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 Bridges}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 , ibid at p6).
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6846601 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 The following extract from the judgment in }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 O\rquote Reilly v Mackman}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601  (1983) 2}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 A.C. 237 is pertinent:}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6846601 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6846601 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601 "}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
That since all the remedies for the infringement of rights protected by public law could be obtained on an application for judicial review, as a general rule it would be contrary to public policy and an 
abuse of the process of the court for a plaintiff complaining of a public authority\rquote 
s infringement of his public law rights to seek redress by ordinary action and that, accordingly, since in each case the only claim made by the plaintiff was for a declaration that the board of visitors\rquote 
 adjudication against the plaintiff was void, it would be an abuse of the process of the court to allow the actions to proceed and thereby avoid the protection afforded to statutory tribunals}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601 "}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6846601 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
\par Under }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 Order 53}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601  where the plain
tiff wrongfully brings his claim by way of judicial review, the court has power to order that that claim be continued as though it had been commenced by writ.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 But where the claim is wrongly commenced by writ or originating summons as in this case, the Court has no power to convert it into a claim for judicial review.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 As stated by }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 Henry J }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 in }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 Doyle and Others v Northumbria Probation Committee}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
 (1991) 1 W.L.R. 1340 at 1344:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6846601 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601 "}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
And if the plaintiffs were now to bring a free-standing application for judicial review, their delay has been such that I would find it difficult to envisage the court granting leave to them to apply for such judicial review.}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 Therefore it seems to me that 
if the defendant committee succeeds in the application that it is making, that will be end of the plaintiffs\rquote  claim.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6846601 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
\par I have considered the legal arguments put forward by the learned counsel for the plaintiff.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 He has raised a number of points.
}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 The main hu
rdle that the plaintiff has to get over is whether originating summons is the correct mode of proceeding with his grievance.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
As I have said, for the above reasons, the plaintiff has adopted the wrong mode, in other words he should have proceeded by way of judicial review.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 There is an abundance of authority on the subject and I have dealt with it at length in }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 Ram Prasad}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601  (supra); it is also dealt with at some length on appeal to Court of Appeal in the same case (}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
Ram Prasad f/n Ram Rattan v The Attorney-General of Fiji}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
Civil Appeal No. ABU0058 of 1997S - Judgment 27.8.99).
\par 
\par Having decided that this was not the correct mode, it is not necessary for me to consider all the other points raised by both counsel.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 Therefore, I conclude with the following passage from the judgment in }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 Moroccan Workers Association v Attorney-General}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601  (1995) }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 1 Law Reports}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
 of the Commonwealth 451 (SC) vide Commonwealth Law Bulletin July 1995 p747 - 749:
\par }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6846601 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601 "}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
Matters of public law and administration ordinarily fell within the purview of s.31 of the Supreme Court Act 1981 and RSC Ord 53.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 The remedies therein provided that judicial review ought to be the normal recourse in all cases where allegations were made th
at rights under public law were being infringed, eg where a private person was challenging the conduct of a public authority or a public body, or of anyone acting in the exercise of a public duty.}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 The institution of proceedings by originating notice of mot
ion for purely declaratory relief without any explanation of the delay that occurred before their institution in February 1993 and which were brought for the purpose of challenging matters of public law and administration was an inappropriate procedure an
d an abuse of the process of the court.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6846601 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
\par In this case judicial review was the procedure under Order 53 of The High Court Rules.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 The ratio of }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 O\rquote Reilly}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601  as found in }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 Lord Diplock\rquote s}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601  speech at p.285 was extended to }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 Cocks v Thanet District Council}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601  (1983) 2 A.C. 286.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
There the action was commenced by writ and }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601 "}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
it was stopped in that course, in that it was struck out as an abuse of the process of the Court in the House of Lords}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 .
\par 
\par In the outcome in the light of the many authorities on the issue before me and in vie
w of the decision that I have reached as to the form the proceedings should take in matters of the nature before the Court I will allow the procedural objection raised by the defendants and in doing so I am not unmindful of what }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 Lord Lowry}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601  said in }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 Roy v Kensington and Chelsea FPC}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601  (1992) 2 W.L.R. 239, namely:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6846601 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601 "}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
It seems to me that unless the procedure adopted by the moving party is ill-suited to disposition of the question at issue there is much to be said in favour of the proposition that a court having a j
urisdiction ought to let a case be heard rather than entertain a debate concerning the form of proceedings}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601 "}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 .}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 \tab  
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6846601 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
\par Similar sentiment was expressed by }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 Lord Wilberforce}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601  in}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
 Davy v Spelthorne}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601  BC 1984 A.C. 262 at 278 where he said:
\par }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6846601 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601 "}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 We have not yet reached a poin
t at which a mere characterisation of a claim as a claim in public law is sufficient to exclude it from consideration by the ordinary courts: to permit this would be to create a dual system of law with the rigidity and procedural hardship for Plaintiffs w
hich it was the purpose of the recent reforms to remove}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601 "}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 .}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6846601 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
\par Before departing from this subject of distinction between private law and public law, it is accepted that, }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 Ram Prasad}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
 a decision of the Court of Appeal is authority for the decision in this case.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 A
 number of other cases in the High Court have been struck out for the reasons stated in Ram Prasad.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 Some of the cases are:}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 Jimione Buwawa v The Permanet Secretary for Education and Others }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 Suva High Court Judicial Review No. 19 of 1997, 22 July 1997, }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 Pathik J}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601  - dismissing an originating summons; }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 Fiji Public Service Association v Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji & Others}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 , Lautoka High Court Judicial Review No. 15 of 1998 - 30 November 1998 - }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 Madraiwiwi J}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 ; }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 Eroni Waqaitanoa v The Commissioner of Prisons & Others}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
, Suva High Court Civil Action No. 271 of 2000 - 7.9.2000 - }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 Scott J}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 ; }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 Shakuntala Nair v The Secretary, Public Service Commission & Another}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
, Suva High Court Civil Action No. 359 of 2000 - 28.5.2001 - }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 Scott J}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 .}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 For completeness I would mention that }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 Bryne J}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601  was inclined towards a different view from his brother Judges in the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
Fiji Teachers Union v The Permanent Secretary for Education & Another}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601  (Suva High Court Civil Action No. 21 of 1997, 21.7.98) after referring to an extract from }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 Administrative Law}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601  by }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 Wade and Forsyth }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 and relying on}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601  Doyle }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 (supra) and }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 British Steel plc. v Customs and Excise Commissioners}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601  (1997) 2 All E.R.366.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 However, His Lordship\rquote s decision predates Ram Prasad.
\par 
\par A useful review of cases on the issue has been very well discussed in the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 June 2001}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601  issue of }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 The Legal Lali}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601  under the caption \lquote }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
The Public Law - Private Law Divide in Fiji Courts: A Review of Recent Authorities}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601  by }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 J.J. Udit}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601  and 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 S. Sharma}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601  of the Attorney-General\rquote s Chambers.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 I agree with the authors\rquote  suggestion that before the litigants and their advisors fall into the trap of choosing between private and public law remedy, \lquote }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 it is therefore important for legal practitioners to take note of recent authorities in this area of law, so that a plaintiff\rquote s grievance (regardless of its merits
) does not fail because the wrong form of initiating proceedings has been chosen by the legal practitioner}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 \rquote .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
\par 
\par For these reasons I declare that the plaintiff is not entitled to continue with his Originating Summons or seek the relief sought by him otherwise than by application for judicial review if he is still able to do so under Order 53 of The High Court Rules.
}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 It is for his counsel to decide what course the plaintiff should take to pursue his grievance.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 However, I will leave the subject on this point with the following observation by the }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 Appeal Court}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601  in }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 Ram Prasad}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601  at }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 p.11}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601  for counsel\rquote s consideration:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6846601 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601 "}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
As the Judge pointed out, the appellant can apply under Order 53 of the High}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
Court Rules for leave to bring an application for judicial review.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 In the nor
mal course, such a long delay from 15 January 1992, when the appellant was dismissed, would be fatal to any application for leave.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 However, in the end the dominating consideration would be the interests of justice.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
Provided that it can be established that this delay was not due to the appellant personally, it may well be that in these somewhat exceptional circumstances the granting of leave may be appropriate.}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 But we emphasize that on that issue we are expressing no concluded view.}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
If an application for leave is brought, it will be for the Judge before whom it comes to decide whether the appellant should be allowed to proceed at this very late stage}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601 "}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 .}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6846601\charrsid6846601  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6846601 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
\par In the outcome the defendants\rquote  application to strike out the summons is allowed with costs in the sum of $150.00.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6846601 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 D. Pathik
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 Judge}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6846601 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 
\par At Suva
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6846601 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6036954\charrsid6846601 7 August 2001
\par }}