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\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT SUVA
\par CIVIL JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 CIVIL ACTION NO. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876 HBC00}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 35 OF 2003
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 Between:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 SURYA NARAYAN
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 F/n Latchmaiya Naidu
\par Plaintiff}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975\charrsid2834975 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975\charrsid2834975 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 and}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975\charrsid2834975 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975\charrsid2834975 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
\par SUVA CITY COUNCIL
\par ATTORNEY GENERAL OF FIJI
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 Defendants}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975\charrsid2834975 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975\charrsid2834975 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 Mr. R. Prasad for the Plaintiff
\par Mr. L. Daunivalu for the 1st and 3rd Defendants
\par Ms. T. Waqanika for the 2nd Defendant}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975\charrsid2834975 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3155876 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid3155876 JUDGMENT}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975\charrsid3155876 
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\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 By }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 originating summons}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
 dated 27 January 2003 the plaintiff sought the following relief/orders: -
\par 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (a)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls5\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls5\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 A Declaration that the seizure and impounding of Vehicles (as
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 listed in annexure \lquote A\rquote 
 of the Affidavit in Support) by the Defendants on 23}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 rd}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
 January 2003 was illegal and unlawful and ultra vires of the defendants.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (b)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls5\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls5\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 An Order that the 1}{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 st}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975  Defendant forthwith release the vehicles (as listed in annexure \lquote A\rquote  of the
 Affidavit in Support) presently impounded by the 1}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 st}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975  defendant at the Police Mobile Unit in Nasinu.
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\par {\pntext\pard\plain\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (c)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls5\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls5\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
An Order that the Defendants restrain from seizing and impounding the vehicles in future in the manner and for the reasons as was carried out on 23 January 2003.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (d)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls5\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls5\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 Damages
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\par {\pntext\pard\plain\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (e)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls5\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls5\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 Exemplary Damages
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\par {\pntext\pard\plain\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (f)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls5\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls5\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
An Order that the Defendants pay the costs of and incidental to this action on an indemnity basis.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (g)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls5\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls5\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 Such further or other relief(s)/order(s) as this Honourable Court deems just}{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975 .
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975\charrsid2834975 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2834975 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
The summons was heard inter partes on 30 January 2003 when an order was made to file affidavits in reply and reply thereto, if any.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
It was further ordered that \lquote }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 the vehicles that are listed in the Annexure to the Affidavit of the Plaintiff that have not already been released must be released for
thwith to the respective owners}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 \rquote .
\par 
\par On 3 March 2003 an order was made for Plaintiff to file and serve affidavit in Reply which he failed to do.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
As ordered on that day the Defendants filed their written submission but the plaintiff failed to comply with the Court order despite a reminder.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 I am left with the defendants\rquote  submissions.
\par 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 Consideration of the issue
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
\par On the affidavit evidence before me and on Ms. Waqanika\rquote s submissions I find that the issue raised by the plaintiff is mainly between the plaintiff and the first defendant.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 The second defendant took no part in the seizure and impounding of the vehicles.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
\par As stated by counsel the Enforcement Officers of D2 are authorized officers and they have been delegated the powers under }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 sections 73}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975  and }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 77}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975  of the }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 Land Transport Act (No. 35 of 1998).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
\par 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 Section 77(1)(a)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975  provides:
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri720\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 \'93
A police officer or an authorised officer may for the purposes of this Act \endash 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri720\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin0\itap0\pararsid3155876 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid3155876 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri720\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin1440\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 (a)\tab 
inspect any vehicle, or any equipment in respect of which a licence is or has been in force which the officer has reason to believe is being used as a public service vehicle, and the equipment thereof; or..\'94
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3155876 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
\par As authorized officers, the D2\rquote s officers were merely \lquote flagging down\rquote  vehicles for inspection on grounds that the vehicles are used as public service vehicles.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 The plaintiff has not disputed this submission.
\par 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 I therefore find that there is no cause of action against the second defendant.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975  }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 Hence the summons against D2 is dismissed with costs in the sum of $150.00 to be paid within 21 days}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 .
\par 
\par As far as the case against D1 and D3 is concerned, a comprehensive written submission has been filed by counsel and I have given due consideration to it.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 The plaintiff\rquote s counsel has not responded although he had the opportunity to do so.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 In fact the plaintiff\rquote s counsel as stated earlier made no submissions at all.
\par 
\par I do not intend to give a background to the circumstances in which the vehicles in question were seized as they are covered very well in D1 and D3\rquote s written submissions suffice it to say that the plaintiff instituted 
this action following a joint operation between the Fiji Police Force and the Suva City Council targeting the illegal operations of taxis, mini buses and buses within the Suva City and surrounding areas.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 The joint operation took place between Thursday 23}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 rd}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
 January 2003 and Saturday 25}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975  January 2003.
\par 
\par The }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 main issue}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975  for court\rquote s determination is whether the seizure and impounding of the plaintiff\rquote 
s vehicles by the defendants was illegal, unlawful and ultra vires.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 The determination of the other claims by the 
plaintiff can be determined once the main issue is addressed.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 The law}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
\par 
\par The learned counsel for D1 and D3 submitted that the defendants particularly the first defendant acted within the law.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
He has set out very well the law in his written submission as follows in accordance with the powers given pursuant to }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 Land Transport Act 1998}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975  (the \lquote }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 Act}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 \rquote ):
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2834975 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 Under }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 Part IV}{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975  of the Act, all motor vehicles are required to be registered with the Authority (s.49) under a particular licence class and must be issued with a registration certificate.}{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
Under section 51 of the Act, the registration certificate that is issued in respect of a motor vehicle must contain the following information:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3155876 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid3155876 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (a)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li2160\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls7\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls7\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 date/year of manufacture;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid3155876 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (b)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li2160\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls7\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls7\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 chassis or engine No. of motor vehicle;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid3155876 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (c)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li2160\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls7\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls7\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 registered owner & all other parties with financial interest in motor vehicle;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid3155876 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (d)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li2160\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls7\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls7\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 date of 1}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 st}{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975  registration in Fiji & expiry date of registration;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid3155876 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (e)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li2160\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls7\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls7\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 country of manufacture;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid3155876 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (f)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li2160\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls7\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls7\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 classification of m/v as either new, second hand, recondition or other;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid3155876 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (g)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li2160\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls7\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls7\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 registered number }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
licence class}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975  & any exemptions & conditions;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid3155876 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (h)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li2160\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls7\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls7\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 any other appropriate matter.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid3155876 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 Subsection (2)}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975  of }
{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 s51}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
 specifies other types of information which may be recorded on the registration certificate and includes, amongst other things, the renewal of registration, modifications to the vehicle and changes in the licence class.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3155876 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid3155876 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 Section 50(1)}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
 of the Act prohibits a person from driving or using or permitting to be driven or used on a public road any motor vehicle which does not comply with the Regulation as to }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 construction}{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 , equipment, dimension and }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 load}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
 applicable to the class or description to which the motor vehicle belongs.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid3155876 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 Pursuant to Part VI}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
 of the Act, a motor vehicle used for the carriage of passengers for hire, reward or other consideration is deemed to be a public service vehicle}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876  (\'93PSV\'94) and must be licens}{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 ed.}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
Section 62 prohibits a person from driving or using a motor vehicle or cause or permit one to be driven or used as a PSV unless it is licensed as a public service vehicle.}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975  }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 A PSV means a motor vehicle licensed under Part VI for the purpose of carrying passengers for hire or reward.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3155876 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid3155876 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 Part VIII}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
 of the Act specifies the powers of enforcement of police and authorised officers.}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
Section 73 gives power to a Police Officer to control traffic as well as parking.}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 In particular, s73(1)(
c)(vi) states that a police officer may, for the purpose of traffic control seize and remove to a place of safe custody a motor vehicle where the police officer has reasonable cause to suspect that the vehicle is }{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 not registered}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975  pursuant to this Act or the Regulations.}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975  }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
Subsection (7) provides that a police or authorized officer shall not be held liable for any damage to or loss of item from a motor vehicle during its seizure and removal under paragraph (c) of subsection (1).}{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 In addition, the owner is respons
ible to pay all reasonable expenses for a motor vehicle removed and stored by a police or authorized officer (s74).}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
Section 74(2) also authorises the Authority to sell by auction or public tender a motor vehicle where the owner has not claimed it or paid the reasonable costs of its removal and storage within 1 month in order to recover those expenses.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3155876 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid3155876 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 Under section 77}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
 a police or authorised officer is empowered to inspect PSC vehicles and require any mechanism or part of the vehicle to be dismantled if the officer has reason to believe that the PSC is not in a fit condition to be used for that purpose.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3155876 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid3155876 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 In addition, the }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
Criminal Procedure Code, Cap. 21}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975  at }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 section 51}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
 authorises every police officer to interpose for the purpose of preventing, to the best of his ability, the commission of any offence.}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
This prevention power is also reflected in the Police Act, Cap. 85 section 5 of which requires a police officer to also protect life and enforce all laws with which it is directly charged (including the Land Transport Act 1998).}{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3155876 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975\charrsid3155876 
\par }\pard\plain \s18\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3155876 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
The plaintiff has admitted in his statement which he gave to Police that his motor vehicle registration No. DJ.026 operates as a mini bus between Suva and Lautoka.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 Two police officers who seized the plaintiff\rquote s vehicles also confirmed this.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 Similarly, the other mini buses seized by the Police had been ascertained as carrying passengers for hire or reward which were not being registered as PSV as required to be done under the Act.
}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 Therefore all mini buses that were found to be carrying payin
g passengers were stopped and seized in accordance with the powers given to Police Officers under }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 s73 (1)(c)(vi) .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975 
\par 
\par }\pard \s18\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
The seizure and impounding of the vehicles was also necessary to inspect the vehicles, inter alia, for their respective ownership and registration in accordance with the Act.
\par 
\par There are various other reasons for these inspections such as for \lquote health and safety\rquote  of passengers and whether there are \lquote third party insurance\rquote  cover which Public Service Vehicles have for their paying passengers as re
quired under the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 Motor Vehicles}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
Third Party Insurance Act Cap. 177}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 .
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
\par Conclusion
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
\par I agree with the submissions made by the learned counsel for the first and third defendants in response to the allegations made by the plaintiff.
\par 
\par I find that the defendants exercised their powers pursuant to}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
powers vested in the Enforcement Officers under the Act, the Police Act and the Criminal Procedure Code.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2834975 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
\par }\pard\plain \s18\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2834975 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
There was nothing unlawful or illegal in the way the vehicles in question were seized.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 These buses were found to be 
operating as Public Service Vehicles whilst not being registered as PSVs under the Act.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
Therefore these buses were stopped and seized pursuant to the powers given to police officers under s73 (1)(c)(vi).
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2834975 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
I am satisfied that the defendants had acted }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 intra vires}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 The plaintiff has failed dismally in proving the case against them.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
He did not even bother to respond to the defendants\rquote  submissions despite the opportunity given him to do so.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
This indeed was a frivolous action instituted by him.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3155876 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 For these reasons the plaintiff\rquote 
s claim against the defendants is dismissed with costs the sum of $150 to counsel for 1}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 st}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975  and 3}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 rd}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975  defendants and similar amount to counsel for second defendant to be paid }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876 within 21 days of this decision}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2834975 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3155876 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid3155876 D. Pathik
\par Judge
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2834975 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid3155876 At Suva
\par 7 October 2003}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3155876\charrsid2834975 
\par }}