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{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.6612;}{\info{\title IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI (AT SUVA)}{\author Amelia Rasovo}{\operator blake_r}{\creatim\yr2004\mo8\dy30\hr16\min51}{\revtim\yr2004\mo8\dy31\hr8\min52}{\version3}{\edmins5}{\nofpages6}{\nofwords2231}
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\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9515583 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 (AT SUVA)
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9515583 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9515583 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 MISCELLANEOUS APPLICATION NO. HBM 73 OF 2002S
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9515583 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9515583 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 RE: CAO JUAN WEN
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9515583 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
\par S. Matawalu for the Appellant
\par S. Sharma with Z. Sahu Khan for the Respondents
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9515583 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 DECISION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9515583 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
\par On 22 August 2002 the Applicant herein filed proceedings for judicial review HBJ 22 of 2002S.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
In a supporting affidavit a self described businesswoman Nora Mar deposed that the Applicant was detained at Korovou Prison.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
She stated that the Applicant had previously held a work permit.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
When the permit expired in July 2000 he applied for its extension but the application was refused.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
After the refusal he managed to obtain extension of the permit with the assistance of a bailiff named Jitend.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
Unfortunately the Immigration Department took the view that the permit obtained by Jitend had been forged.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
On 6 August 2002 the Permanent Secretary for Immigration made a removal order against the Applicant under the provisions of Section 15 (1) of the Immigration Act (Cap 88).
\par 
\par Under the provisions of Section 15 (3) of the Immigration Act the Applicant was then detained in Korovou Prison pending his removal from Fiji.
\par 
\par On 19 August the Applicant presented a petition to the Permanent Secretary for Immigration requesting him to reverse his decision that he be removed from Fiji.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 Not withstanding the presentation of the petition the Applicant was not released from detention.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
\par 
\par On 22 August the Applicant\rquote s then solicitors Messrs. Vuetaki filed an ex parte motion seeking an interim stay of the removal order and an order that the Applicant immediately be released.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 In view of the contents of the supporting affidavit}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
and Section 15 (3) I declined to make an order for the Applicant\rquote s release without giving the Permanent Secretary an opportunity to be heard.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 I adjourned the application for hearing inter partes on 29 August.
\par 
\par On 26 August the present application was filed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 It was an ex parte notice of motion for a writ of habeas corpus ad subjiciendum.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 The Applicant is the same person as the Applicant in HBJ 22/02.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 It is supported by an affidavit by Nora Mar who is the same person who filed the supporting affidavit in HBJ 22/02.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 In her affidavit Nora Mar states that the Applicant\rquote s work permit was renewed until April 2004.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 Notwithstanding the renewal, on 20 August Immigration Officers detained the Applicant, took him to Suva Prison and told him that he was to be deported.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 Nora Mar seeks the Applicant\rquote s immed
iate release from prison on the grounds that his detention was unlawful and that he possesses a valid and subsisting work permit.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
Although the affidavit was sworn on 26 August, four days after the affidavit sworn in HBJ 22/02, no mention was made of the previous proceedings or of any suggestion that the Applicant\rquote s work permit had been forged.
\par 
\par Where related applications are filed or where the same Applicant makes several applications at the same time it is long standing and prudent High Court registry practice that the several applications are placed before the same judge if possible.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 Where for whatever reason this is imp
ossible or impractical a judge before whom a subsequent application is placed is routinely advised that a previous application has already been assigned to another judge.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 Files relating to the same subject matter are frequently kept together even if some files have already been disposed of.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 The reasons for this established registry practice are obvious and need not be elaborated.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 In accordance with this practice the present application was placed before me for consideration.
\par 
\par On 29 August Mr. Vuetaki withdrew the application for judicial review}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 HBJ 22/02.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 The next case to be called was the present.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 Mr. Matawalu appeared for the Applicant and Mr. Sharma appeared for the State.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 Mr. Sharma told me that he had only become aware of this application because he happened to be present for the now withdrawn judicial review proceedings 22/02.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
\par 
\par In the circumstances which included my knowledge that the Applicant was detained consequent to a removal order (a fact not disclosed by Nora Mar in her second affidavit) I declined to order the Applicant\rquote s immediate release.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
Instead I ordered that the papers be served on the State, gave leave to file evidence in response and adjourned the hearing of this application to the earliest date available, 4 September.
\par 
\par On 4 September Mr. Matawalu told me that he had a preliminary application to make.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
He told me that he was making it reluctantly but on his client\rquote s instructions.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
He asked me to disqualify myself from hearing the application for habeus corpus on the grounds of bias.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
As put by Mr. Matawalu his client had \'93an apprehension\'94 that I was biased as a result of certain remarks said to have been made by me on 29 August.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 The remarks which Mr. Matawalu attributed to me were:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9515583 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 \'93I take judicial notice of the matters included 
in the affidavit filed in support of the now withdrawn application for Judicial Review.\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9515583 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
\par As it happens, I made an albeit fairly brief note of what I said on 29 August.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
According to my note which is consistent with my recollection I made no mention at all of the affidavit in HBJ 22/02 and certainly did not say that I took \'93judicial notice\'94 of its contents.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 What I noted was:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9515583 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 \'93I am also aware of JR proceeding HBJ 22/02.\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9515583 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
\par Judicial notice \'93covers the provisions of the law, which is not a matter of evidence at all and the acceptance of facts without admission or proof\'94 (}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 Phipson on Evidence}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583  \endash  12}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583  Edition paragraph 47).

\par 
\par An affidavit is a written declaration or statement of facts confirmed by the oath or affirmation of the party making it.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
Although jud
icial notice may be taken of the existence of an affidavit judicial notice may not be taken of the truth of the facts asserted in the affidavit unless they are first proved, usually by reason of the absence of a challenge to them by the opposing party.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 Bo
th in the present case and the judicial review proceedings the Applicant was seeking his release from detention pending removal from Fiji.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 If not certain then it was at the very least highly likely that the State would oppose the applications.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 The facts alleged in the affidavits were almost bound to be disputed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 It seems to me simply absurd to suggest that a Judge would indicate that he had taken judicial notice of the contents of an affidavit almost certain to be disputed.
\par 
\par If the basis of the apprehension advanced by Mr. Matawalu was unclear its source is no mystery for the simple reason that the Applicant was not himself present on 29 August when it is alleged that I made the remarks complained of:}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 Mr. Matawalu obviously told the Applicant himself.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 In these circumstances it is especially worth bearing in mind that a client\rquote 
s instructions are never themselves sufficient to justify an application for the removal of a Judge on the ground of bias or apparent bias.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 Counsel\rquote s duty to the Court and to the w
ider interests of justice require that counsel should not lend themselves to making such applications unless they are conscientiously satisfied that there is material upon which the application can properly be brought (see }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 Arab Monetary Fund v. Hashim and Others}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583  (No. 8) }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 The Times}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583  4 May 1993).
\par 
\par The appropriate test for bias or apprehended bias has been much discussed and has generated much case law.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 Fiji cases included }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 Ganga Ram and Another v. Reginam}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583  CA 46/83; }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 K.R. Latchan v. Sunbeam Transport}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583  Civ. App. 45/83; }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 Ratu Ovini Bokini v. The State}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583  (1999) 45 FLR 273 and }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 CCF and Others v. Speed and Others}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583  HBC 119/01S.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 Mr. Matawalu must be taken to have knowledge of all these cases together with the leading case in Fiji which is }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
Amina Koya v. The State}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583  (CAV 2/97) in which the Supreme Court considered the slightly different approaches which have been taken in England, Australia and New Zealand.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 In Australia \'93the test is whether a fair minded but informed observed might reasonably apprehend or suspect that the Judge h
as prejudged or might prejudge the case\'94.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 In England \'93the House of Lords\'85.. decided that the test to be applied \'85.. is 
whether in all the circumstances of the case there is a real danger or real likelihood, in the sense of possibility, of bias.\'94
\par 
\par The Supreme Court agreed with the New Zealand Court of Appeal in }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 Auckland Casino Ltd v. Casino Control Authority}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
 (1995) 1 NZLR 142 that there is \'93little if any practical difference between the two tests \'85.. at least in their application to the vast majority of cases of apparent bias.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
This is because there is little if any difference between asking whether a reasonable and informed person would consider there was a real danger of bias and asking whether a reasonable and informed observer would reasonably apprehend or suspect bias.\'94

\par 
\par Since }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 Koya}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583  the English Court of Appeal in }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 In re Medicaments and Related Classes of Goods}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
 (No. 2) [2001] 1 WLR 700 has again revisited this question and, most re
levantly for Fiji, it did so in the light of Article 6 of the 1953 European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms which has been imported into English Law by virtue of the Human Rights Act 1998.
\par 
\par Article 6 reads:
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9515583 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 \'93}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 Right to
 a fair trial}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9515583 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9515583 \fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
In the determination of his civil rights and obligations or of any criminal charge against him everyone is entitled to a fair and public hearing within a reasonable time by an independent and impartial tribunal established by law.\'94
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9515583 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
\par It will be noted that the words of the article are strikingly similar to the wording of Section 29 of Fiji\rquote s Constitution the relevant parts of which read:
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9515583 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 \'93}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
Access to Courts or tribunals}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9515583 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\s15 \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (1)\tab}}\pard\plain \s15\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid9515583 \fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
Every person charged with an offence has the right to a fair trial before a court of law.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9515583 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (2)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid9515583 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
Every party to a civil dispute has the right to have the matter determined by a court of law or , if appropriate by an independent and impartial tribunal.\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9515583 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
\par In }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 Medicaments}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583  (supra) the English Court of Appeal made a \'93modest adjustment\'94
 to the previous English approach to bring it into line with the European Convention and \'93the test applied in most of the Commonwealth and Scotland.\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 The}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 new test is as follows:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9515583 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 \'93the Court must first ascertain all the circumstances which have a be
aring on the suggestion that the Judge was biased.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
It must then ask whether those circumstances would lead a fair minded and informed observer to conclude that there was a real possibility or a real danger, the two being the same, that the tribunal was biased.\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9515583 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9515583 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 \'93
the material circumstances will include an explanation given by the Judge under review as to his knowledge or appreciation of those circumstances.\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9515583 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
\par This test has now been approved and followed by the House of Lords in }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 Magill v. Porter}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583  [2002] 1 WLR 37.
\par 
\par What then, are this circumstances in this case?
\par 
\par So far as I was able to make sense of Mr. Matawalu\rquote s submission it was that since I was aware, and indic
ated that I was aware, not only of the affidavit of Nora Mar filed in this application for habeas corpus but also of the withdrawn judicial review proceedings 22/02, a fair minded and informed observer would conclude that there was a real possibility or d
anger that I was biased.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 In other words that I had:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9515583 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 \'93
an attitude of mind which [would prevent me] from making an objective determination of the issues [which I have] to resolve.\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
(see }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 Medicaments}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583  supra)
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9515583 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
\par In my opinion this submission is unsustainable.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 T
he habeas corpus proceedings have now reached the stage that the affidavit of Nora Mar has been answered by an affidavit by Navendra Prasad, the Director of Immigration.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 This affidavit is in the terms which might have been expected if it had been filed in answer to the affidavit of Nora Mar filed in the judicial review proceedings.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
Not surprisingly, Navendra Prasad in paragraph 25 of his affidavit refers to the affidavit of Nora Mar filed in the judicial review proceedings.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 If Mr. Matawalu wishes to apply to answer Mr. Navendra Prasad\rquote s affidavit then it is likely that he will be given an opportunity to do so.
\par 
\par When all the evidence has been presented it will be the duty of the judge to evaluate the evidence and to decide whether in all these circumstan
ces (a) that the respondents have established that the removal order and detention order are prima facie both good and if so whether (b) the applicant has discharged the burden upon him to show that he is being unlawfully detained (see }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 R v. Secretary of State for }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583 the Home Department ex parte Cha}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 udhary}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583  [1978] 1 WLR 1177; [1978] 2 All ER 790).
\par 
\par Mr. Matawalu seemed to be suggesting either that by discontinuing the Judicial Review proceedings (proceedings which, it may be noted, are more suited to the circumstances in which the Applicant finds himself \endash  }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 Re Saidur Rahman}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583  [1996] COD 465; (1996) }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
The Times}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583  24 December) somehow Nora Mar\rquote s first affidavit would be undone, withdrawn or kept from becoming known to the presiding judge in the habeas corpus proceedings.
\par 
\par A moment\rquote 
s thought would make it clear that this could not possibly be the case if only because a previous affidavit relating to the same application, the same work permit, the same removal order and deposed by the same affiant was clearly likely to b
e referred to by the Respondent to this application, as has in fact proved to be the case.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
The detention and removal of an alleged illegal immigrant is a very serious matter and no court would make a determination on the various issues raised without the fullest inquiry into the circumstances.
\par 
\par It will also be remembered that the Administration of Justice Act 1960 (applied in Fiji by Section 18 of the High Court Act \endash  Cap 13) enables repeated applications for habeas corpus to be made but only where fresh e
vidence is adduced in support of a subsequent application.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
This must mean that evidence previously considered is placed once again before the Judge considering the fresh application.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
If the logic of Mr. Matawalu\rquote s submission were to be accepted such a procedure would be impossible.
\par 
\par It is perhaps also worth repeating that in a small jurisdiction like Fiji it frequently occurs that a Judge or Magistrate is aware of facts detrimental to a party appearing before him.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 That is no ground for his removal for bias (see }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 R v. Resident Magistrate ex parte Veitata}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583  (1977) 23 FLR 172.
\par 
\par In my view the application that I disqualify myself was wholly without merit and should not have been made.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
During the last two years many reckless, wrong and wholly unsubstantiated allegations of bias have been made against the High Court bench in Fiji.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 Most were apparently based on ignorance of the law coupled with a reliance on malicious tittle tattle.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 As pointed out in }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 Arab Monetary Fund}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 (supra) applications for disqualification on the ground of bias should not be made without proper grounds.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 The wider interests of justice demand that confidence in the judiciary should not be undermined by spurious allegations of impropriety.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 I was surprised that a member of the bar of Mr. Matawalu\rquote s standing made an application of this sort in these circumstances.}
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9515583  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 It is dismissed.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9515583 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 M.D. Scott
\par Judge
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9515583 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1975931\charrsid9515583 
\par 6 September 2002
\par }}