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\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT SUVA
\par APPELLATE JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15235586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15235586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO: HAA041 OF 2004S
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15235586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15235586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 Between:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586\charrsid15235586 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15235586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586\charrsid15235586 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15235586 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 PREM SIDAHARTA KUMAR
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 Appellant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15235586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
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\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15235586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586\charrsid15235586 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15235586 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 THE STATE
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 Respondent
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15235586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
\par Hearing:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 1st October 2004
\par Judgment:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 5th October 2004
\par 
\par Counsel:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 Mr. A.K. Singh for Appellant
\par Mr. D. Toganivalu for State
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14293384 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid14293384 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15235586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
\par This is an interlocutory appeal from the decision of the Suva Magistrates\rquote  Court to transfer the trial of the Appellant to Kadavu, where the alleged offence occurred.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 The ruling was dated the 16th of March 2004.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 The 
grounds of appeal are:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid14293384 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 (a)\tab 
The learned magistrate erred in law and fact when he transferred the matter to the Kadavu Court without taking into account the interests of the accused.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14293384 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid14293384 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 (b)\tab The learned Magistrate erred in law when he transferred the case.

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15235586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
\par The Appellant is charged as follows:
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14293384 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid14293384 Statement of Offence
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15235586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14293384 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 RAPE}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
: Contrary to sections 149 and 150 of the Penal Code Cap 17.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15235586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14293384 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid14293384 Particulars of Offence
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15235586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14293384 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
PREM SIDAHARTA KUMAR (f/n Prem Sushil Kumar) on the 13th day of November 2003 at Kadavu in the Central Division had unlawful carnal knowledge of ETHEL DUIKORO without her consent.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15235586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
\par The matter was first called in Suva on the 26th of November 2003.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 The Appellant elected Magistrates\rquote 
 Court trial and pleaded not guilty.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 He applied for bail.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 It was said, in the cour
se of the application, that he is a school teacher, that all witnesses lived in Kadavu, the victim was a 15 year old student, and that the Appellant now resides in Suva.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 Bail was initially refused, but was granted on the 9th of November 2003.
\par 
\par On the 8th of March, after a hearing date had been set, counsel for the Appellant said:
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s18\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14293384 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 \'93
Discussed with Mr. D. Toganivalu to shift this matter from Kadavu to Suva.}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 Accused\rquote 
s wife was assaulted, they had to leave early to come to Suva.}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 Our witnesses are here in Suva.}{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 Matter would be heard partly until disposed.}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 Matter could be vacated on 8.3.2004 as he is temporarily employed."
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15235586 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
\par Mr. Rabuku for the State said that the State was not concerned if the case was heard in Suva or Kadavu \'93as costs is involved.\'94
\par 
\par The learned Magistrate ruled on the matter on the 16th of March.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 He said that the application was to have the case heard in Suva.
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 He held that it would be unfair to the prosecution\rquote 
s civilian witnesses to bring them to Suva, which is a new and different environment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
He further said that under section 62 of the Criminal Procedure Code a trial was to take place where the offence was committed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
He said that arrangements could be made with the Kadavu Police to ensure the Appellant\rquote s safety and he ordered that the trial take place in Kadavu.
\par 
\par When this appeal was first listed on the 11th of May 2004, Mr. Veretawatini appeared for Mr. A.K. Singh and sought an adjournment to July on the ground that Mr. Singh was out of the country.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 On the 15th of July 2004, the State sought leave to file an affidavit with a view to adducing further evidence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 Counsel for the Appellant initially objected, saying he had authorities to back his objections.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 The hearing of the State\rquote s application and the appeal was further adjourned to the 28th of July.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 On the 28th of July, counsel for the Appellant sent a medical certificate saying he was unwell.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 The hearing was further adjourned to the 20th of August.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
On that day counsel said he had not received the State\rquote s motion and affidavit and wished to reply to it.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
He was given 21 days to reply.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 The hearing then proceeded on the 1st of October.
\par 
\par No affidavit was in fact filed by the Appellant to oppose the State\rquote s application.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
It appears that counsel no longer objects to the form and contents of the affidavit.
\par 
\par The affidavit of Police Constable Jonacani Tukuca states that he is a police officer at the Kadavu Police Station.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
He undertakes to provide personnel to guard the accused and counsel at the Rest House at Vunisea, says that the case will be heard at Kavala Village and that the Crime Prevention Committee at Kavala Village will be notified of the accused\rquote 
s security concerns.
\par 
\par Counsel for the State has not told me why this evidence was not put before the learned Magistrate.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 The affidavit is of course re
levant, but no application to adduce evidence at the appeal will be allowed unless the court is satisfied that there were good reasons for the failure to disclose the evidence at the hearing proper.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 The application to adduce further evidence is refused and I disregard the affidavit.
\par 
\par In respect of the appeal itself, counsel for the Appellant said that the case should be transferred to Suva because the Appellant\rquote s wife had been assaulted in Kadavu, he now lives in Suva, there are 13 witnesses, the trial wil
l take at least 10 days, there are inadequate facilities in Kadavu and counsel would find it inconvenient to go to Kadavu for 2 weeks.
\par 
\par Counsel for the State said that the only issue raised by the Appellant in the lower court in support of his application for transfer, was security.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 He said that the police would provide adequate security.
\par 
\par Section 61 of the Criminal Procedure Code provides:
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s18\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14293384 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 \'93
Subject to the provisions of section 59 and to the powers of transfer conferred by section 70 every offence sha
ll ordinarily be tried by a court within the local limits of whose jurisdiction it was committed, or within the local limits of whose jurisdiction the accused was apprehended or is in custody on a charge for the offence, or has appeared in answer to a sum
mons lawfully issued charging the offence.\'94
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15235586 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
\par Sections 68, 69 and 70 deal with the transfer of cases.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 Section 68(1) provides:
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s18\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14293384 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 \'93
If upon the hearing of any complaint it appears that the cause of complaint arose outside the limits of the jurisdiction of the c
ourt before which such complaint has been brought, the court may, on being satisfied that it has no jurisdiction, direct the case to be transferred to the court having jurisdiction where the cause of complaint arose.\'94
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15235586 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
\par Section 70 provides:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14293384 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 \'93(1) Whenever it is made to appear to the Chief Magistrate \endash 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15235586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid14293384 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li2160\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid14293384 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 (a)\tab that a fair and impartial \'85
 trial cannot be had in any magistrates\rquote  court; or
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15235586 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li2160\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid14293384 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 (b)}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14293384 \tab }{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 that some question of law of unusual difficulty is likely to arise; or
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14293384 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid14293384 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li2160\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid14293384 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 (c)\tab that a view of the place in or near which any
 offence has been committed may be required for the satisfactory inquiry into or trial of the same; or
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14293384 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li2160\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid14293384 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
(d) that an order under this section will tend to the general convenience of the parties or witnesses; or
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14293384 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li2160\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid14293384 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 (e)\tab that such an order is expedient for the e
nds of justice or is required by any provision of this Code;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14293384 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14293384 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 he may order \endash 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14293384 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
\par }\pard \ql \li2160\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid14293384 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
(i) that any offence be inquired into or tried by any court not empowered under the preceding sections of this Part but in other respects competent to inquire into or try such offence;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14293384 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
\par }\pard \ql \li2160\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid14293384 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
(ii) that any particular criminal case or class of cases be transferred from a magistrates\rquote  court to any other magistrates\rquote  court of equal or superior jurisdiction;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14293384 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
\par }\pard \ql \li2160\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid14293384 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 (iii) that an accused person be committed for trial to his court.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14293384 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14293384 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 (2) The Chief M
agistrate may act on the report of the lower court or on the application of a party interested or on its own initiative.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14293384 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14293384 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
(3) Every application by an interested party for the exercise of the power conferred by this section shall be made by motion, which shall be supported by affidavit.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14293384 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14293384 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
(4) Every accused person making any such application shall give to the Director of Public Prosecutions notice in writing of the application, together with a copy of the grounds on which it is made; and no order shall be made
 on the merits of the application unless at least twenty-four hours have elapsed between the giving of such notice and the hearing of the application.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14293384 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14293384 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
(5) When an accused person makes any such application the Chief Magistrate may direct him to execute a bond, with or without sureties, conditioned that he will, if convicted, pay the costs of the prosecutor.\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15235586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
\par }\pard\plain \s19\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15235586 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
In this case, the offence is alleged to have been committed in Kadavu, and although the charge itself was filed in the Suva Magistrates\rquote  Court, it was clearly the intention of all parties that the trial would be conducted in Kadavu.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
In order to transfer the case to Suva, the Appellant should have filed an application for transfer by motion and affidavit before the Chief Magistrate under section 70 of t
he Criminal Procedure Code. He did not, choosing instead to make an application before the presiding Magistrate.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
The presiding Magistrate could only have made an order for transfer under section 68 if he considered that the alleged offence had been committed outside of his jurisdiction. That section clearly did not apply.
\par 
\par If counsel had made a proper application under section 70, I doubt that it would have succeeded.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15235586 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14293384 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 Firstly, all prosecution witnesses are resident on Kadavu, and to convey them to Suva for a 2 week trial would be both expensive and disruptive for the State.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 Secondly, ensuring the security of the accused and counsel should be a simple police operation.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 Thirdly, inconvenience to counsel in Kadavu is not a compelling ground.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 The logical and most suitable place for trial is the Kadavu court.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 The learned Magistrate quite rightly refused the application.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 In any event, as I have said, counsel failed to use the proper procedure to ask for transfer.
\par 
\par For these reasons, this appeal must fail.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15235586  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 It is dismissed. The matter must now proceed to trial with expedition.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel0\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14293384 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid14293384 Nazhat Shameem
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid14293384 JUDGE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15235586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14293384 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid14293384 At Suva
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15235586 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5716830\charrsid15235586 5th October 2004
\par }}