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\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid16599824 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT SUVA
\par APPELLATE JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16599824 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid16599824 
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\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid16599824 Appellant
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\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid16599824 Respondent}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396\charrsid16599824 
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\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid16599824 Hearing}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 :}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
12}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396  April 2002
\par Judgment:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 19}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 th}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396  April 2002
\par 
\par Counsel:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 Mr N. Nand for Appellant
\par Mr A.K. Singh for Respondent}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396 
\par 
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\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 The State appeals against the acquittal of the Respondent in the Suva Magistrates\rquote  Court of the following charge:
\par 
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\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid332396 {\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
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\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 Contrary to section 106(a) of the Penal Code Act 17.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15733547 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 Particulars of Offence}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid332396 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid332396 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 SAMUELA SUGUTURAGA, on the 31}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 st}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396  day of March, 2000 at Nasinu in the Central Division, being employed by Fiji Police Force whilst on official duty, obtained $100.00 cash from UDAY RAJ s/o Shiu Sharan in order not
 to book his son DHARMENDRA RAJ s/o Uday Raj for traffic cases.
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\par The grounds of appeal are as follows:
\par 
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\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
The learned trial Magistrate erred in law and in fact in that he failed to act judicially in the exercise of his discretion to grant or refuse an adjournment.
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\par {\listtext\pard\plain\s16 \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (ii)\tab}}\pard\plain \s16\ql \fi-698\li1418\ri2160\nowidctlpar\faauto\ls1\outlinelevel0\rin2160\lin1418\itap0\pararsid332396 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
That the learned trial magistrate erred in law and in fact in acquitting the defendants under section 210 of the Criminal Procedure Code, Cap 21 by failing to consider the prosecution evidence in its totality.
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\par {\listtext\pard\plain\s16 \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (iii)\tab}}\pard\plain \s16\ql \fi-698\li1418\ri2160\nowidctlpar\faauto\ls1\outlinelevel0\rin2160\lin1418\itap0\pararsid332396 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 The learned trial Magistrate erred in
 law and in fact when he failed to take into consideration that the present case would not have proceeded in any way as there was a part-heard matter he was hearing on the said date.
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\par The background to the case was that the Respondent\rquote s charge was formally filed in court on 22}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 nd}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396  February 2001.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 On that day the case was called in court for the first time, before the learned Chief Magistrate.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 He pleaded not guilty, and another mention date was set, for the 9}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 th}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396  of March 2001, for disclosure.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 On the next mention date, the 23}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 rd}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396  of March 2001, another mention date was requested, on the ground that defence counsel was abroad.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 The matter was adjourned to the 6}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 th}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396  of April 2001.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
On that day, a hearing date was set for the first time, for the 17}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396  of July 2001.
\par 
\par On the 17}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
 of July the prosecution asked for an adjournment on the ground that disclosure had not been completed and the prosecution was not ready to proceed.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 New hearing dates were then set for the 4}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396  and 5}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396  of December 2001.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 On the 4}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396  of December, the defen
ce was ready to proceed.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 Counsel for the prosecution then said, \'93One of my key witnesses is in Kosovo.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 I\rquote m ready to proceed on a part-heard basis.\'94
\par 
\par The defence objected citing section 202(2) of the Criminal Procedure Code, and asked for the charge to be dismissed.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
Counsel for the prosecution then said:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri1440\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin1440\lin720\itap0\pararsid332396 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 \'93I am ready to proceed part-heard.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 I have 2 witnesses here, i.e. Inspector Camaitoga and Cpl. B. Singh.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
8 other witnesses are not here.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 4 of the civilian witnesses are not here, because they have changed ad
dress and have left no forwarding address.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 1 witness is serving in Kosovo.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 He left in October 2000 and he will be back January 2002.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
Summons could not be executed on the 2 other witnesses because they could not be located.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 One was on leave.}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 No explanation was given to me on the other accused.\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid332396 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
\par Later she said, \'93I made a mistake. There are 5 civilians and 5 police officers.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 There are 10 witnesses altogether.\'94
\par 
\par The defence then submitted that the prosecution had been given 4 months to prepare for the case, that the Respondent was on half-pay because of the case, and that the defence was ready to proceed.
\par 
\par The learned Chief Magistrate then ruled as follows:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri1440\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin1440\lin720\itap0\pararsid332396 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 \'93In my view there is no good reason to grant an adjournment.}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 Prosecution had 4 months to prepare its case.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 It did not do so.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
The prosecution being an institution, has the resources to organise itself and bring its witnesses to Court.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 Going on leave is no excuse.}
{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 Also, it should send out its officers to look for the witnesses.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 In this case, it appeared they did not do so.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
The application for an adjournment is denied.\'94}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri1440\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin1440\lin0\itap0\pararsid332396 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396\charrsid332396 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid332396 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
The prosecution then conceded it could not make out a prima facie case, and the Respondent was then acquitted pursuant to section 210 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
\par 
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 The grounds of appeal}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
\par 
\par The first ground of appeal is that the Chief Magistrate failed to act judicially when he refused the application to adjourn.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
State Counsel submits that the learned Chief Magistrate failed to consider the seriousness of the charge, or the public interest in favour of prosecution, in his decision to refuse the adjournment.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 Counsel for the Respondent submits that the prosecution in the lower court, failed to show good cause for the adjournment, and that the adjournment was refused for valid reasons.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10829824 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 The principles guiding the grant or refusal of an adjournment, are well-settled.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 As the Fiji Court of Appeal said in }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 Robert Tweedie McCahill}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396  (Criminal Appeal No. 43 of 1980) the granting of an adjournment is a discretionary matter, with which an appellate court will no
t interfere unless it is satisfied that the discretion was not exercised judicially, and the rights of the parties were thereby defeated altogether.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid332396 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10829824 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 Recently in }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
Rajesh Chand & Shailesh Kumar -v- The State}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396  Criminal Appeal No. AAU0056 of 1999S, the Court of
 Appeal considered an appeal from a decision of the High Court to set aside an acquittal after a refusal of an adjournment in the Tavua Magistrates\rquote  Court.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 In that case also, the prosecutor had four witnesses available (out of six who were to be called) and said that the case could be part-heard.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 The Magistrate refused to allow the case to proceed on a \'93part-heard\'94 basis, saying that he had been instructed by the Chief Magistrate not to commence any part-heard cases \'93
as it will cast us a lot of time and money.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 The accused in that case was acquitted under section 210 of the Criminal Procedure Code.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 The High Court in considering the acquittal said that the Magistrate had failed to act judicially.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 He had not considered the previous history of the case, whether
 the summons had been served, or when the prosecutor became aware of the failure of the witnesses to obey the court\rquote s process.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
The acquittal was set aside.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid332396 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10829824 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 The Court of Appeal upheld this decision, saying, at page 4, 5:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid332396 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri1440\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin1440\lin720\itap0\pararsid10829824 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 \'93If it appears that the result of 
the order made in the court below is to defeat the rights of the parties altogether or to do an injustice to one or other of the parties, the appellate court has a duty to review such an order.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 Where the refusal of an adjournment would seriously prejudice a party, the application should be granted.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 If not granted, an appellate court will intervene if the discretion has not been exercised judicially or where its exercise was based on a wrong principle or resulted in an injustice: }{
\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 Maxwell -v- Keun}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396  (1928) 1 KB 645; }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
GSA Industries Pty Ltd. -v- NT Gas Ltd}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 . 24 NSWLR 710.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
In the present case we are satisfied that the Magistrate exercised his discretion on a wrong principle.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
It is apparent from his decision that we have reproduced above that he was primarily concern
ed at the administrative inconvenience and cost to the Court of part hearing the case, and the Magistrate then being required to return to Tavua to complete the hearing.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 This was not a proper reason for denying the State the right to have the charges heard and determined by the Court.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
We accept that financial considerations, and the convenience of the Court can be taken into account in determining how and when a case is to be heard, but that can never over-ride the interests of justice.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396 
 }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 In the present case,
 if these factors were considered to be relevant, with the result that a part-hearing was inappropriate, the correct course was to adjourn the hearing to a date and time when it could be properly heard and determined.}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 By refusing either to part-hear the case, or to adjourn it, the Magistrate\rquote s decision resulted in an injustice to the State.\'94

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid332396 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10829824 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 I have set out the Court of Appeal\rquote 
s reasons for the decision to uphold the High Court, at some length because there are some marked similarities between that case and this one.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 In this case also, the Chief Magistrate refused to hear the case partially, or to adjourn to another day.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 However, there are also some important differences between the cases.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid332396 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10829824 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 Firstly, the history of the case shows that there was a delay of alm
ost one year from the date of the alleged offence, to the date the Respondent first appeared in court.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 Secondly, from the \'93first call\'94
 of 22}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 nd}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
 February 2001 the matter was adjourned once for disclosure, once because defence counsel was out of the country, and once (at the first hearing date) because the prosecution was not ready and had not complied with full disclosure.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 By the time the case was called next for hearing, on the 4}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 th}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396  of December 2001, more than 9 months had lapsed from the date of first call.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
It is not known whether, on the 17}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396  of July 2001, the prosecution knew that a witness was in Kosovo.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 If they knew, then one wonders why they agreed to a date in December when the witness was still out of the country.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 If they did not know, then they ought to have known because all witnesses ought to have been subpoenaed that day.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid332396 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10829824 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
A third factor, is that the prosecution failed to tell the Chief Magistrate why the missing witnesses were crucial to the State\rquote s case, and why (if they had been summoned) they had failed to attend.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }
{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 From the court record, it appears that summons could not be served on two witnesses.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 What was the position for those witnesses who were summoned and failed to attend?}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 The court record shows a lamentable lack of preparedness on the part of the prosecution.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 Indeed it shows that the prosecution were not sure who their witnesses were, and how many were expected to give evidence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 And this, after 9 months of court fixtures.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid332396 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10829824 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 Given these factors, it is not surprising that the Chief Magistrate c
alled upon the prosecution to prove its case (which the prosecutor conceded they could not do).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
An adjournment to another date would not have carried any certainty that the prosecution would then have all its witnesses and would be ready to proceed.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid332396 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10829824 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 Further, unlike the case of }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 Ramesh Chand}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396  (supra), the Chief Magistrate\rquote 
s reason for his decision was not the administrative inconvenience to the court, but the prejudice to the accused, and the disregard for court processes by the prosecution witnesses.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 I do not think, that he erred in the exercise of his discretion.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid332396 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10829824 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
Section 202(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code (as amended by the Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Act 1998) provides:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid332396 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri1440\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin1440\lin720\itap0\pararsid10829824 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 \'93During the hearing of any case, the magistrate must not normally allow any
 adjournment other than from day to day consecutively until the trial has reached its conclusion, unless for good cause, which is to be stated in the record.\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid332396 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10829824 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 Section 202(2) provides:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri1440\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin1440\lin720\itap0\pararsid10829824 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 \'93For the purpose of subsection (1) good cause includes, but is not limited to, the }{
\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 reasonably excusable absence}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396  of a party or witness or of a party\rquote s legal practitioner.\'94 (My emphasis)
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid332396 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10829824 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
The intention of the legislature was obviously to put the burden on the person requesting an adjournment, or a part-hearing, to show good cause.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 Further, the absence of a witness has to be as a result of a reasonable excuse.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid332396 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10829824 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 In this case the prosecutor had to show good cause, and reasonable excuse.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 She failed to show either.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
She must have known earlier of the witness in Kosovo, but failed to obtain a date suitable for him.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
Further there can be no reasonable excuse for the absence of four police officers who had been summoned, or for the failure of the prosecution to explain the absence of the other witnesses.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 Although it is true that the Chief
 Magistrate did not refer to the seriousness of the charge, or the public interest in proceeding to hear cases of corruption against police officers, the seriousness of the charge does not appear to have influenced the police witnesses or the prosecution 
to be ready to proceed to trial on the first or the second hearing date set.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
Further, I am not persuaded that the Chief Magistrate would have come to any different a conclusion if he had considered the nature of the charge.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid332396 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10829824 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 In these circumstances I do not 
accept that the learned Chief Magistrate erred in refusing to adjourn the case any further.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 This ground fails.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid332396 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10829824 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 The second ground of appeal is an extension of the first.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 It is that the Chief Magistrate erred in acquitting the Respondent.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
At the hearing of this appeal, State Counsel conceded that the Chief Magistrate had been procedurally correct in calling on the prosecution to prove its case.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 Indeed, there are now many authorities (}{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 DPP -v- Vikash Sharma}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396  40 FLR, 234) which refer to the proper procedure to be followed after the refusal of an adjournment.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
At the hearing of this appeal I was told by counsel for the Respondent that the only two witnesses available, were the interviewing officers of the Respondent, and that the interview, being exculpatory, would not have assisted the prosecution at all.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 The court record shows that the prosecution opted against calling any evidence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 Where the prosecution decides to call whatever witnesses it has available, the Magistrate cannot proceed to acquit under section 210 
of the Code, until the prosecution has called all its evidence for the day and then asks for an adjournment.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
In many cases, a fresh application for an adjournment, after the evidence of several witnesses, may well lead to a decision to adjourn to another d
ay for continuation, because the Magistrate will then be able to assess the public interest in not acquitting forthwith, having heard some of the evidence.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid332396 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10829824 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 However, in this case the prosecution chose not to call its witnesses and the Chief Magistrate\rquote s de
cision to proceed to an acquittal was therefore procedurally correct.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 This ground also fails.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid332396 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10829824 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
The third ground of appeal was not argued and there is no evidence before me that there was another part-heard matter fixed for hearing before the Chief Magistrate on the same day.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid332396 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 Conclusion}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10829824 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 For the reasons given in this judgment, this appeal is dismissed.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 Counsel for the Respondent asked for costs.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
However I consider that the lodging of this appeal was neither an abuse of the prosecutorial discretion, nor was frivolous or vexatious.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 
I decline to order costs.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10829824 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid10829824 Nazhat Shameem
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 JUDGE}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10829824 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid332396 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 At Suva
\par 19}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12927109\charrsid332396  April 2002}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid332396 
\par }}