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\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\caps\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par At Suva
\par Civil Jurisdiction
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\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 0016 OF 2002}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479\charrsid3745479 
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\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Practitioners}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479\charrsid3745479  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Act}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479\charrsid3745479  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 1997
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\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479\charrsid3745479  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Barristers}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479\charrsid3745479  }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 and}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479\charrsid3745479  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Solicitors}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479\charrsid3745479  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 (Admission)}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479\charrsid3745479  }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Rules}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479\charrsid3745479  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 2000
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\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Application for admission as a}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479\charrsid3745479  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Barrister}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479\charrsid3745479  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 and}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479\charrsid3745479  }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Solicitor}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479\charrsid3745479  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 by}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479\charrsid3745479  }{\b\caps\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Tevita Akamini Vakalalabure}{\b\caps\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479\charrsid3745479 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3745479 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479\charrsid3745479 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Mr. K. Vuataki, Mr. V. Naidu & Mr. R. Vakalalabure for the Petitioner
\par Mr. G.O\rquote  Driscoll for the Fiji Law Society}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479\charrsid3745479 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3745479 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 REASONS FOR DECISION}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479\charrsid3745479 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3745479 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479\charrsid3745479 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 On }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 14}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 th}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  October}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  the petition in this matter was granted for reasons which I now provide.}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
\par 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 This is an application by way of petition under the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Legal Practitioners Act 1997}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  (}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 '}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 the Act\rquote  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 )}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 seeking admission as a barrister and solicitor in Fiji.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 The petition and supporting affidavit were filed in the High Court on }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 5}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 th}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  April, 2002}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  and duly served on the }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Fiji Law Society }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 (}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 '}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 the Society\rquote  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 ) on }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 25}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 th}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  April}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 .}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 The petition was also advertised in a local newspaper and was fixed for hearing on }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 26}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 th}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  July 2002}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 .
\par 
\par By letter dated }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 23}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 rd}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  May 2002}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  the}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Society advised the }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Chief Registrar}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  that it }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 '}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 ...... has no objection to the Petition for Admission of Tevita Akamini Vakalalabure\rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 ( the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 '}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 no objection\rquote  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 letter ).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 A month later the}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 
 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Society withdrew its }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 '}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 no objection\rquote }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  letter}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 on the basis that }{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 '}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 (it) }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 has other views on the matter\rquote  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 and promised}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 '}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 ...... a further submission will be made on this Petition very soon\rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 .}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
\par 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 A further month elapsed and three }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 (3)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
 days before the hearing date of the petition the Society wrote advising that }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Ms. Tanya Waqanika}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  would be appearing }{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 '}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 and she will be opposing the Petition for Admission of Mr. Tevita Vakalalabure\rquote }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  ( the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 '}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 opposition\rquote  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 letter ).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 No basis or grounds of opposition are set out in the letter.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 However on the same day the then Secretary of the Society }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Mr. Isaac Peter
}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  filed an affidavit in opposition to the petition.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 In it}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 he refers }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 inter alia}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  to correspondence between the Society and the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Dean}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
 of the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 University of the South}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Pacific Law School}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  in }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Vanuatu}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
 where the petitioner was a former student, and with the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
, and he deposes to his personal belief that }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 '}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 (the petitioner)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 is not a person of good character and is not a fit and proper person to be admitted to the bar\rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 .
\par 
\par In reply the petitioner, a former employer, and a long time student counsellor at the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 University of the South Pacific}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
 filed affidavits, with the latter two affiants deposing to their contrary personal belief in the petitioner\rquote s }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 '}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
good character\rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  and fitness for admission.
\par 
\par On }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 6}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 th}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  September 2002}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  the present Secretary of the Society }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Mrs. A. Seru }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 filed 
a supplementary affidavit annexing further correspondence received from the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
 relating to a pending criminal case against the petitioner,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 and from the }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Dean}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  of the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 University of the South Pacific Law School}
{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  detailing disciplinary proceedings that had been taken against the petitioner whilst he was a student in the Law School.
\par 
\par It is noteworthy that in neither of the Society\rquote s affidavits was any attempt made to explain }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 why}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 ? }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 the information disclosed in the affidavits was not available when it wrote the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 '}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 no objection\rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  letter nor, has any attempt been made to disclose }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 when}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 ? }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 and }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 how}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 ?}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  the information first came to the knowledge of the Society and }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 whether or not}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 ?}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
the Society had availed itself of the opportunity to enquire into the petitioner\rquote s }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 '}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 character qualification and experience
\rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  as it was entitled to do.
\par 
\par Be that as it may the petition was mentioned on }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 12}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 th}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  September 2002}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  and after counsel for the petitioner withdrew a preliminary objection,}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Ms. G. Phillips}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  who appea
red with the present Secretary of the Society confirmed that the hearing of the petition would require 2 days and further, that the ground of objecting to the petition was that the petitioner was }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 '}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 not a fit and proper person\rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  to be admitted to practice sol
ely on the basis that there were serious criminal charges pending against the petitioner before the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Savusavu Magistrates Court}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  that remained undisposed.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
The petition was then fixed for hearing in open court on the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 14}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 th}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  and }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 15}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 th}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  October}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 .
\par 
\par On }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 14}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 th}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  October}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  counsel appearing for the Society}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
opened its case for showing cause against the grant of the petition by referring to the basic qualification in }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Section 35}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
 of the Act that a petitioner for admission as a legal practitioner be }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 '}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 a fit and proper person\rquote }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Counsel then proceeded to formulate in some detail the Society\rquote 
s ground(s) of objection.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
These were that the petitioner had failed to make a full and frank disclosure in his petition for admission, of the serious criminal charges pending against him and of the disciplinary proceedings that had been taken against him in his law student days.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
\par 
\par These omissions and the information uncovered,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 counsel suggested, were clear indicia of the petitioner\rquote 
s personal character sufficient to render him }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 '}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 unfit\rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
 for admission as a legal practitioner.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Thereafter counsel indicated that the Society desired to call two }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 (2)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  police officers to testify. 
\par 
\par Not unnaturally, Counsel for the petitioner vigorously objected to the turn of events.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 In the first place counsel complained that he
 was unaware, up till then, of the exact nature of the Society\rquote s ground(s) of objection (which had changed) because of the absence of any prior written notice and further, the Society\rquote 
s proposed witnesses had not previously deposed any affidavit(s) nor had
 the nature of their evidence been disclosed in advance and in fairness to the petitioner so as to enable full and proper instructions and enquiries to be undertaken prior to the hearing of the petition.
\par 
\par In response Counsel for the Society pointed out that the present proceedings were civil in nature (whatever that may mean) and, in any event, the Court could always allow a brief adjournment to Counsel to take instructions.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 In so far as a written }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 '}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 notice of objection\rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  is concerned, Counsel frankly admitted
 that none had been filed in Court and Counsel sought a brief adjournment to regularise the matter.
\par 
\par The adjournment application was vigorously opposed by Counsel for the petitioner who submitted that the Court should proceed with the hearing}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 of the petition which had been delayed long enough and the fixture had been specially fixed a month earlier with the agreement of the Society\rquote s then Counsel and Secretary.
\par 
\par It is a serious matter to deny any person the opportunity to earn a living by practising his chosen profession.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 As was said by }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Cooke J.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  (as he then was) in }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
Harder v. Auckland Law Society}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 (1983) N.Z.L.R. 15}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  at }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 p.17}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 :}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid3745479 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 '}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
...... the right to follow a vocation for which a person is qualified is very valuable.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Any claim by a vocational body ......}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 to exclude a qualified person on character grounds needs at the present day plain legal justification.}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 The Court has to scrutinize such a claim with particular care.\rquote }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3745479 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 In the present case the petition for admission as a legal practitioner was lodged in }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 April 2002}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  and was originally approved by the Society which later changed its mind and opposed it as it is entitled to do.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 The right of the Society to unilaterally change its mind however, is not so clearly established given its ability to make such enquiries as it deems necessary into the petitioner\rquote s }{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 '}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 character, qualification and experience\rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 [}{\i\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 see}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 :}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
 }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Section 36(2)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 ] after receipt of the application for admission.
\par 
\par Be that as it may }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Section 37(1)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  of the Act provides that the Society }{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 '}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 shall be entitled to show cause why an application for admission should not be granted\rquote }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  and subsection (2) provides that}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 :}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid3745479 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 '}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
The objection shall be filed in Court and a copy delivered to the applicant }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 (and)}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
 Any person objecting who has complied with this Section and the rules made pursuant to this Part shall be entitled to appear on the hearing of the petition.\rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3745479 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
\par In this latter regard }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Rule}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 8}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  of the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Legal Practitioners (Admission) Rules 2000}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
 states (so far as relevant)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 :}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3745479 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 '}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 (1)\tab 
 If ...... the Society wishes to show cause why a petition should not b
e granted, ......, the secretary of the Society may file, in the matter of the petition, a notice of objection setting out the grounds of the objection and must send a copy of the notice to the petitioner.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3745479 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\s16 \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (2)\tab}}\pard\plain \s16\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\ls1\outlinelevel0\rin720\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3745479 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 If an objection is filed under sub-rule (1), ...... the Society, ...... is entitled to appear on the hearing of the petition.\rquote 

\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3745479 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
\par It is sufficiently clear from the foregoing that the filing in Court of a }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 '}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 notice of objection\rquote }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  and the service of the same on the petitioner is a necessary pre-requisite for anyone wishing to show cause against the grant of a petition for admission as a legal practitioner.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 It also confers the necessary }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 '}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 locus standi\rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  for the objector to appear at the hearing of the petition.
\par 
\par Needless to say in the absence of a proper }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 '}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 notice of objection\rquote }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  a petitioner}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
would be unaware of the precise ground(s) on which objection is being taken to his admission and would be seriously prejudiced in preparing any answer(s) to the objection.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 What}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 '}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 s}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 more the objector would lack the necessary standing to appear at the hearing of the petition.
\par 
\par I accept that the wording of }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Rule 8}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  appears to be directory as to the filing of a }{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 '}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 notice of objection\rquote }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 by the Society but that cannot be used to read down the mandatory requirements of }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Section 37(2)}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  of the Act which are paramount and plainly based on fundamental fairness and good sense.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479\charrsid3745479 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Having said that I am mindful of the absence of a time limit in the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Rule}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  within which a }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 '}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 notice of objection\rquote }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  by the Society must be filed in Court but there can be no denying that such an event, if it is to serve any useful purpose,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 must occur well }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 before}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
 the actual hearing of the petition in order to enable the petitioner to prepare a response }{\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 and}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
 entitle an objector to appear at the hearing.
\par 
\par The Society\rquote s application for a short adjournment to file a written }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 '}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 notice of objection\rquote }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  was refused and in the absence of the requisite }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 '}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
notice of objection\rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  the Society lacked the necessary }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 '}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
locus standi\rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  to appear at the hearing of the petition which was accordingly granted.
\par 
\par That is sufficient to dispose of this matter, however, in deference to Counsel for the Society who was taken somewhat unawares, I propose to make some brief observations on the ground(s) of objection raised against the grant of the petition.
\par 
\par In my considered view the mere existence of pending criminal charges against the petitioner without more is not a sufficient reason to refuse the grant of his petition for admission as a legal practitioner.
\par 
\par In the petitioner\rquote s case the criminal offences with which he is presently charged although described by the Society\rquote s previous Counsel as }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 '}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 serious and not ordinary\rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  are nevertheless misdemeanours.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Additionally, }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Section 28(1)(a) }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 of the }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Bill of Rights}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  presumes that a person charged with an offence is }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 '}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 innocent until proven guilty according to law\rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 In the face of such a legal presumption imposed by }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 '}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
the supreme law of the State\rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  it is, with respect, naive to summarily dismiss it as }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 '}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 irrelevant for present purposes\rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 .
\par 
\par Furthermore non-disclosure of a petitioner\rquote s past or even present misdeeds is not a requirement of the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Act}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  }{
\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 or}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Rules}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  made thereunder }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 or}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
 in the prescribed form of petition and verifying affidavit, and, given the wide inquisitorial powers of the Society I am disinclined to treat a petition under the Act as a document which imposes on a petitioner a positive duty of }{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 '}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 uberrima fides\rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 .}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 A ground of objection based on such an assumption without more is therefore, at best, of doubtful merit.
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 As for the petitioner\rquote s past indiscretions during his university days, without nec
essarily alluding to the particular charges or to the procedural irregularities that are alleged to have occurred in the disciplinary proceedings undertaken at the relevant time, suffice it to say that they were not considered sufficiently serious by eith
er the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 University of the South Pacific}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  or the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
Board of Legal Education}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  to call for the permanent expulsion of the petitioner from the university }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 or}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  to justify a refusal to award him the necessary law degree and completion certificate under }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Section 35(b)}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  of the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Legal Practitioners}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Act 1997}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 .
\par 
\par Additionally }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Section 20}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  of the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Penal Code (Cap.}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 17)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  provides that }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 
'}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 a person cannot be punished twice ...... under the provisions of any other law for the same act or omission ......\rquote }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  unless the act or omission subsequently causes death.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 In the petitioner
\rquote s case he has been punished for his past indiscretions and to resurrect them again so as to deny him admission as a legal practitioner is, in my humble opinion}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 ,}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  impermissibly to cause the petitioner }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 '}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 ...... to be punished twice
\rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 .
\par 
\par In so far as both matters may be said to be indicative of the petitioner\rquote s general character, I accept that the petitioner has had a somewhat violent past aided to some degree by the consumption of alcohol but all that needs to be said about that 
is}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 :}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 '}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
people can and do change}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 !}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 \rquote }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3745479\charrsid3745479 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3745479 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 (D.V. Fatiaki)
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 Chief Justice}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3745479 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 At Suva,
\par 18}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479  October, 2002.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11410047\charrsid3745479 
\par }}