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\widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\formshade\horzdoc\dghspace180\dgvspace180\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow0\jexpand\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot2623824 \fet0\sectd \linex0\endnhere\titlepg\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\header \pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\pvpara\phmrg\posxc\posy0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\field{\*\fldinst {\cs18\insrsid9638187 PAGE }}{\fldrslt {\cs18\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid9638187 4}}}{\cs18\insrsid9638187 \par }\pard \s17\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid9638187 \par }}{\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}} {\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8 \pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2623824 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI \par AT SUVA \par APPELLATE JURISDICTION \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2623824 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824\charrsid2623824 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2623824 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 CIVIL APPEAL NO.: HBA}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824\charrsid2623824 00}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 19 OF 2002 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2623824 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2623824 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 BETWEEN:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824\charrsid2623824 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2623824 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824\charrsid2623824 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2623824 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 ARUN KUMAR}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824\charrsid2623824 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 APPELLANT \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2623824 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2623824 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824\charrsid2623824 AND}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 :}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824\charrsid2623824 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2623824 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824\charrsid2623824 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2623824 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824\charrsid2623824 SALEENI PAWAN REKHA}{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 \par & RANDHIR PRASAD \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824\charrsid2623824 RESPONDENTS}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2623824 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 \par Mr. Ritesh Naidu}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824\charrsid2623824 - }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 Counsel for the Appellant \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824\charrsid2623824 In Person - }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 First Respondent \par No Appearance}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824\charrsid2623824 - }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 Second Respondent \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2623824 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 JUDGMENT \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2623824 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 \par The appellant husband had on 28th January 2002 petitioned the Magistrate\rquote s Court, Suva for divorce on grounds of adultery with the co}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 -}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 respondent.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 The parties were married on 25th January 2000.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 There are no children of the marriage. \par \par The petition makes no mention of where adultery took place.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 Even though co}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 -} {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 respondent is named in the heading of the summons, his name is not stated on the petition itself.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 The specimen petition, in Matrimonial Causes (Magistrates\rquote Courts) Rules sets out the form of petition and contents.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 It requires that the place of commission of adultery to be stated in the petition.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 Sadly this was not done in the present petition.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 The need for this is obvious; it enables the respondent to meet the objections.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 For some unknown reasons the respondents did not seek nor the court ordered better particulars of adultery. \par \par The first ground of appeal is that the learned Magistrate erred in law and in fact in dismissing the divorce petition when there was suf ficient evidence present before the court for the court to draw an inference that the Respondent had committed adultery. \par \par The appellant submitted that PW2 one Siteri Vonobale was not cross}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 examined about certain conversation she had with the respondent.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 Failure to cross}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 examine a witness may amount to an acceptance of that witness\rquote s evidence. \par \par However, the learned Magistrate in his judgment stated that he found the evidence adduced by the petitioner and his two witnesses }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 '}{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 not to be reliable}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 .}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 In short the learned Magistrate did not believe the evidence adduced on behalf of the petitioner.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 Once a Magistrate came to that conclusion, he could hardly find that adultery had been proved.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 The learned Magistrate was of the view that the issue of adultery was really one of credibility and indeed very often it is.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 It is rare that anumentary evidence of adultery in form of letters is available. \par \par In }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 Gavin Snow v. Nina Small}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 18 F.L.R. 41 the Court of Appeal held that a Magistrate who had seen and heard witnesses was in a better position to make an assessment of their credibility than a superior court considering an appeal. \par \par At page 43 at paragraph H the Court stated}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 \par \par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2623824 \b\i\f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 '}{ \i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 The advantages of seeing and hearing witnesses and of judging their demeanour in contrast to conclusions found on a written record of evidence are so well known and so often stated in the authorities as to need no repetition here.}{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 '}{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2623824 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 \par In }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 Powell v. Streatham Manor Nursing Home}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 1935 A.C. 243 the House of Lords held}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824\charrsid2623824 \par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2623824 \f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 '}{ \b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 Where the question at issue is the proper inf erence to be drawn from facts which are not in doubt, the appellate court is in as good a position to decide the question as the judge at the trial is. \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2623824 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2623824 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 But the appeal, although a re}{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 -}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 hearing, is a re}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 -}{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 hearing on documents and not, as a rule, on oral evidenc e; and where the judge at the trial has come to a conclusion upon the question which of the witnesses, whom has seen and heard, are trustworthy and which are not, he is normally in a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 } {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 better position to judge of this matter than the appellate tribunal can be; and the appellate tribunal will generally refer to the conclusion which the trial judge has formed.}{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 '}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2623824 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 \par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2623824 \f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 In the present case the learned Magistrate has not believed the evidence produced on behalf of the appellant.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 The appellant is asking this court to set aside that negative finding and substitute that with its own positive finding that the evidence presented by the appellant and his witnesses is credible and therefore it must be believed.}{ \f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 Where credibility is at stake, an appellate that is unlikely to int erfere with the conclusions reached by the trial court on issue of credibility. \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2623824 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 \par The next ground argued by the appellant was ground 3 which is that the learned Magistrate erred in law and in fact in failing to give reasons for accepting the evidence and rejecting the evidence of appellant and his witnesses. \par \par The appellant submits that certain parts of material evidence given by PW2 was not properly evaluated by the learned Magistrate.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 These pieces of evidence are that the petitioner did not satisfy her sexually, that she saw a naked man lying on the respondent and the respondent later telling her that the person was a policeman.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 The appellant submits that the learned Magistrate should have given reasons for preferring the evidence of the respondent. \par \par It is trite to say that where there are disputes on the facts, such disputes must be resolved by clearly expressed findings of fact.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 Not only must the judgment make those findings but should also say how the issues of fact have been decided. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 Over the years courts have expressed the view that courts ought to give reasons for their decisions especially where parties have right to appeal.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 One of the clearest expression of this view is found in }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 Pettitt v. Dunkley}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 (1991) 1 N.S.W.L.R. 376 at page 382}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2623824 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 '}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 Where in a tria l without a jury there are real and relevant issues of fact which are necessarily posed for judicial decision, or where there are substantial principles of law relevant to the determination of the case dependent on their application upon findings of fact i n contention between the parties, and the mere recording of a verdict for one side or the other leaves an appellate tribunal in doubt as to how those various factual issues or principles have been resolved, then, in the absence of some strong compelling r easons, the case is such that the judge\rquote s findings of fact and his reasons are essential for the purpose of enabling a proper understanding of the basis upon which the verdict entered has been reached, and the judge has a duty as part of the exercise of his judicial office, to state the findings and the reasons for his decisions adequately for that purpose.}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 If he decided in such a case not to do so, he has made an}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 error in that he has not properly fulfilled the function which the law calls upon him as a judicial person to exercise and such a decision on his part constitutes an error of law.}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 '}{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2623824 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 \par The New Zealand Court of Appeal in }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 R. v. Awatere}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 1982 2 N.Z.L.R. 644 was more cautious.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 It held that in the absence of a statutory requirement to give reasons, it must b e always a sound judicial practice to give a reasoned judgment and courts should always strive to do their best to give reasons which are adequate for the occasion. \par \par The Fiji Court of Appeal in }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 Jasmisha Ali v. Hasiman Nisha & Another}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 1977 23 F.L.R. 77 (a d ivorce case with adultery as the ground) also expressed the view that mere expression of preference for one version of events to another is insufficient.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 The court must also state factors that weighed in determining that preference. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 The learned Magistrate in evaluating the evidence said}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 \par \par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2623824 \b\i\f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 '}{ \i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 After carefully assessing the evidence adduced by the petitioner and his two witnesses and upon careful scrutiny not to be reliable.}{ \i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 Even if it were, which I find it not, it cannot be said that adultery can be inferred from circumstances.}{ \i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 I find the petitioner\rquote s evidence is insufficient and unreliable to lead to that conclusion.}{ \i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 '}{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2623824 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 \par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2623824 \f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 He does not explain why he found the evidence unreliable.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 Did he find the evidence inherently incredible or were their material contradictions in the evidence tendered on behalf of the appellant?}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 A party is entitled to be given reasons as to why evidence he or she has given has been wholly or partially rejected.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 This has not been done in the present case. \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2623824 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 \par The next ground of appeal was that the proceedings were conducted in an arbitrary and prejudicial manner and in breach of the rules of natural justice.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 The basis of this ground are two letters which appear in the record \endash the first letter dated 31st January 2002 is on page 29 to 31 of the record and the second dated 3rd January 2002 on page 37 of the record.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 Both are written by the respondent.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 They were not tendered as evidence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 The appellant was not aware of their existence until he received copy record for purposes of appeal.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 It is not apparent whether the learned Magistrate reads these letters or not.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 If the learned Magistrate read the letters, then he ought in fairness to the parties have told the parties of these letters.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 The court can only consider evidence, which is produced by the parties during trial.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 The existence of the two letters on the record casts doubt on whether that basic principle has been adhered to and by itself reason enough for the appeal to be allowed.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 The contents of these letter touch on issue of adultery and credibility of witnesses and are not letters of insignificant kind. \par \par The last ground is that the learned Magistrate fixed the maintenance for the respondent in the sum of $25.00 per week without examination of the means of the parties. \par \par The relevant section when awarding maintenance is Section 84(1) of the Matrimonial Causes Act which reads as follows}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 \par \par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid2623824 \b\i\f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 '}{ \i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 84(1)\tab Subject to the provisions of this section, the court may, in any matter or cause in which application has been made with respect to the maintenance of a party to the marriage, or of children of the marriage, other than proceedings for an order for maintenance pending the disposal of proceedings, make such an order on such application as it thinks proper having regard to the means, earning capacity and conduct of t he parties to the marriage and all other relevant circumstances.}{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 '}{\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2623824 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 \par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2623824 \f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 Beyond occupation of parties as law clerk and domestic duties, the record is silent on what the parties earn, what type of qualifications and training skills they have gone through and their expenses.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 Hence the means and earning capacities were not examined.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 There was no basis on which the figure of $25.00 per week was arrived at.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 I am not for a moment saying that the figure is excessive.}{ \f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 A proper enquiry may well disclose that the figure is too low.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{ \f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 The maintenance order is therefore set aside. \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2623824 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 \par In light of the learned Magistrate\rquote s reference that he did not believe the petitioner and his witnesses albeit in the absence of any reasons this court finds itself unable to substitute its findings of fact in view of Magistrate\rquote s Court.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 The safest course of action to take is to remit the file to the Magistrate\rquote s Court for proceedings to be heard de novo.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 I therefore order that the action be remitted to the Magistrate Court for it to be reheard before another Magistrate.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 I do not order any costs. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2623824 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 \{ Jiten Singh \} \par JUDGE \par }\pard\plain \s4\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel3\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2623824 \f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2623824 \par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 At Suva \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2623824 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 19th November 2002}{ \fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600410\charrsid2623824 \par }}