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\f168\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT SUVA
\par CIVIL JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \s17\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8733773 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
\par }\pard \s17\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8733773 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773\charrsid8733773 CIVIL ACTION NO.: HBC00}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 88 OF 2004
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\par }\pard \s17\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8733773 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 FAIYAZ ALI}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773\charrsid8733773 

\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 f/n Ramzan Ali of Drasa Vitogo, Lautoka
\par Plaintiff
\par }\pard \s17\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8733773 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
\par }\pard \s17\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8733773 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 AND:
\par }\pard \s17\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8733773 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
\par }\pard \s17\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8733773 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 FIJI BANK & FINANCE SECTOR EMPLOYEES UNION
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 First Defendant
\par }\pard \s17\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8733773 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
\par }\pard \s17\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8733773 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 DEVENDRA DASS
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 Second Defendant
\par }\pard \s17\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8733773 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
\par }\pard \s17\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8733773 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 PRAMOD RAE
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 Third Defendant
\par }\pard \s17\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8733773 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
\par Counsel:}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773\charrsid8733773  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 Mr. S. Chandra \endash  for the Plaintiff
\par Mr. V. Kapadia \endash  for the Defendants
\par 
\par Date of Hearing:}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773\charrsid8733773  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 10-11 August & 30 September, 2004
\par 
\par }\pard \s17\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8733773 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 TRIAL MINUTE
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\par }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 Introduction
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
\par These proceedings relate to elections held by the Fiji Bank and Finance Sector Employees Union for the post of National Secretary.
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8733773 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
The plaintiff nominated one Dr. Chand.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 Dr. Chand is not a party to the proceedings but it is clear he has inspired them.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 The first defendant is the subject union (\'93The Union\'94). The second 
defendant Devendra Dass was at the relevant time the Assistant National Secretary and the Returning Officer for the election.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
The third defendant Mr. Pramod Rae was the opposing candidate to the plaintiff\rquote s nominee.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
Mr. Pramod Rae was overwhelmingly elected to the position of National General Secretary.
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 The Plaintiff\rquote s Case
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 In his opening address counsel for the plaintiff emphasized that there were two major parts to the claim.
\par 
\par He said the first might be determinative of the matter.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 Apparently the Labour
 Ministry has the delegated authority to supervise the conduct of union elections.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 A union is obliged to give an appropriate 21}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 day period of notice for the conduct of an election.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 This is in accordance with Section 10A(a) of the Trade Unions Amendment Regulations 1991.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 It was claimed in the opening address that the Union failed to give the appropriate notice and that the election was accordingly null and void.
\par 
\par The plaintiff then went on to bracket a second group of his claims.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 It was submitted that while 
any one of these complaints on its own may not be sufficient to argue that the election should be declared null and void, nonetheless in combination, they are sufficient to demonstrate prejudice and unfairness to such an extent that the Court should make 
such a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 declaration.
\par 
\par Counsel submitted:
\par 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlblt\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pnf3\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb \'b7}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid8733773 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 That there were instructions issued to vote only on the 4th of March and that was in breach of the Regulations.

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8733773 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlblt\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pnf3\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb \'b7}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid8733773 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 That the plaintiff\rquote s candidate was denied excess to a membership role and therefore could not properly 
campaign for his position.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8733773 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlblt\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pnf3\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb \'b7}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid8733773 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 It was submitted that the ballot was not secret as required under the Regulations.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8733773 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlblt\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pnf3\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb \'b7}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid8733773 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
It was submitted that the processing of ballot papers was suspect and open to tampering or rigging in the handling of ballot papers.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8733773 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlblt\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pnf3\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb \'b7}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid8733773 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 It was all
eged there was interference with voter rights by a process of limitation of the time within which voters were able to cast their votes.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8733773 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlblt\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pnf3\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb \'b7}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid8733773 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
It was submitted that ballot papers were not sent out by post but batched and sent to union delegates who personally handed them on to voters and then collected completed papers batched them and then returned them to the Returning Officer at the Union.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 It was claimed this was not a true \'93postal ballot\'94 and was in contravention of the Act and Regulations.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8733773 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlblt\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pnf3\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb \'b7}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid8733773 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 It was submitted 
that there was evidence of collaboration and conspiracy between the second and third defendants designed to pervert the democratic process and frustrate the election of the plaintiff\rquote s nominated candidate.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8733773 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 The Pleadings
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 The pleadings are defective in a number of respects.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
They follow a general narrative format rather than a bare statement of allegation.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 There is no clear cause of action.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 The prayer for relief apart from an unsupported claim for damages seeks declarations and orders undoing the democratic 
election process.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 The pleadings and prayer appear more like a set of judicial review proceedings then anything else.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 They have not been bought as such.
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 Witnesses
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 The plaintiff first called Kamaal Singh Verma, a Bank Officer and Union Member.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 He lives at Ba.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
In accordance with the agreed process he confirmed the contents of his affidavits and then proceeded to give some evidence in chief emphasizing the difficulties over nomination, the absence of ballot boxes and instructions given concerning voting.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 Unde
r cross-examination he confirmed that his affidavit evidence was largely inspired by Dr. Chand although he did check a draft and then signed a final copy adopting the statement as his own.
\par 
\par He conceded that although there was difficulty nominating Dr. Chand he was nonetheless able to do so.
\par 
\par He conceded that he had an opportunity to consider the matter before he voted.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
He retracted paragraphs 18 and 19 of his primary affidavit (Verma 1) thereby taking away much of the impact of his evidence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
Although I note in passing that the statements made were very vague and not factually supportable.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
He also qualified paragraph 20 of this affidavit an allegation that in effect although claiming privacy to the nominal role for the union the second defendant had in fact released his name to Dr. Chand to allow nomination to proceed in the first place.

\par 
\par I generally found this witness lacked credibility primarily because it became increasingly obvious that while he may have adopted the words of a draft affidavit sent to him t
hey were not his own and he was therefore left uncomfortably trying to justify the statements made.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
He was in particular vague about paragraph 28 of his primary affidavit (Verma 1) and the impact of the 21 day notice rule saying that was a comment essentially prepared by Dr. Chand and then e-mailed to him.
\par 
\par He conceded at the end of the day that in his branch in Ba there were no problems with the voting and that the receipt of the ballot papers, their processing and despatch}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 was correct and fair.
\par 
\par Under re-examination he confirmed to his own counsel that he believed he had enough time to vote and that he carefully thought about his vote before he cast it.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 In answer to questions from the Court he confirmed that he was able to fairly exercise his right of choi
ce between the candidates and that he had adequate time before voting to make an informed decision.
\par 
\par The defendant then as a matter of trial convenience interposed a witness summoned by himself.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
This was the Assistant Registrar of Trade Unions. As he appeared under summons there was no agreed brief or affidavit from him.
\par 
\par He gave evidence that he had the delegated responsibility of supervising union elections in Fiji.
\par 
\par He confirmed a process of meetings with the union to prepare for the election.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 He confirm
ed that the appropriate 21 day notice was given under the act and that the postal balloting system proposed was a normal procedure and quite fair.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 He confirmed by reference to documents 13 and 14 in the agreed bundle that supervisors had been appointed to 
oversee the packaging and despatch of ballot papers, their return and counting.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
He confirmed that the supervisors had no complaint about any of these processes (i.e.) there was no irregularity in the preparation and despatch of ballot papers, their return or counting.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
\par 
\par He confirmed that Dr. Chand had complained (I infer vigorously) concerning the process of the election and its fairness.
\par 
\par The Registrar went further to say that under the Legislation he not only had the obligation to supervise elections but also had an investigatory role in respect of any complaints made about them.
\par 
\par He confirmed receiving Dr. Chand\rquote s complaints and that he had investigated each one of them. He then made a recommendation to the Registrar. Although the ultimate decision was no
t his he was able to confirm that at this point in time it appeared unlikely that the election would be declared invalid.
\par 
\par I find this evidence to be extremely important for the purposes of resolving this case.
\par 
\par It is a settled principle of law that the Courts should not interfere in the executive\rquote 
s process of decision making and substitute a decision of its own. This is particularly so in the absence of the executive decision or during the process of investigation before a final decision has been made.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 It
 is equally clear under the Legislation the Labour Ministry has the delegated responsibility to supervise elections and make enquiries over any complaint. Dr. Chand has made several complaints about the process of this election.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 Those complaints have been investigated and recommendations made.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 It appears those recommendations are likely to be that there was no irregularity in the election.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 However, there has been no formal announcement of the result of that investigation as these proceedings dissuaded the Registrar from completing his task in that regard.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 In short, inspired by Dr. Chand, the plaintiff has jumped the gun.
\par 
\par For this reason at the conclusion of proceedings on day 1 I retired to chambers and had a discussion with both counsel concerning this evidence and the continuing progress of the trial.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 Putting to one side the defects in the pleadings and the failure of the plaintiff\rquote 
s first witness to come up to brief, it was nonetheless clear after the evidence of the Assistant Registrar of Trade Unions that the matters raised by the pleadings may require airing in subsequent proceedings.
\par 
\par I thought it prudent to offer plaintiff\rquote s counsel the opportunity of consenting to non-suit.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
It appears that non-suit is not a fashionable practice in Fiji.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 It is nonethe
less still an appropriate relief available to a plaintiff who may have a valid claim but finds either on the eve of trial or in the course of trial that they are embarrassed by their proceedings and can only}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 salvage the situation by reserving the right to 
argue the subject matter again in a Court of concurrent jurisdiction on another occasion.
\par 
\par In the usual course the Court cannot non-suit the plaintiff after his opening and the proceedings have commenced without the consent of his counsel.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 An example of the practice can be found in }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 Fletcher v London and North Western Railway Company}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 , QBD 1892 p.122 and also }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 The Directors of the Dublin Wicklow and Wexford Railway Company v Judith Slattery.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 A decision of the Privy Council recorded in volume 3 Privy Council Decisions 1155.
\par 
\par I gave counsel time to reflect on his position and take new instructions.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
Regrettably his instructions did not confirm the wisdom of non-suit, he elected to press on with this case.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
He called a further witness; the pla}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773 intiff himself, Mr. Faiyaz Ali.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
\par 
\par I note some disquiet that the truly aggrieved party, the failed Dr. Chand, has not brought these proceedings but rather inspired his nominator to do so.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 I record that I warned counsel for the plaintiff in chambers over the possibility of a conflict of interest in the event of an unsuccessful claim.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 I received his assurance that the matter had been resolved and that there was no conflict.
\par 
\par Mr. Ali was an articulate and thoughtful gentleman.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 He was appointed a Liaison Officer by the Union of which h
e had been a member since 1993.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
He confirmed he arranged the nomination of Dr. Chand and described the difficulties he had in doing so.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
He had not participated in a major union election prior to this one.
\par 
\par His first}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 concern was that Dr. Chand was denied excess to the union member\rquote s roll.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
However, he conceded that this may have been for the reason that Dr. Chand was not a member of the union and therefore strictly in accordance with the Constitution he was not entitled to see the membership roll.
\par 
\par In evidence in chief he was concerned that there may have been pressure on union members to vote as quickly as possible thus denying them thoughtful consideration of the candidates.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 He claimed that despite written instructions to lia}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773 i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
son officers directing that members were to have adequate opportunity to vote he received a \'93hurry\'94 up call demanding almost immediate voting.
\par 
\par He too was not confident of his ground over the importance of the 21 day notice rule.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
He was not that familiar with the relevant provisions.
\par 
\par Under cross-examination his evidence was successfully attacked.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
Any reservation he had about the time available for members to consider their vote was swept aside by his concession that liaison officers were given a specific instruction in writing that \'93all members were to have an adequate opportunity to vote\'94
 (see document 24 in the agreed bundle).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
He confirmed that in his branch at Lautoka all members were present on the morning that the despatched ballot papers were received and that they were all able to 
vote very quickly and that the elections that occurred in his branch were fair, proper and above board.
\par 
\par Although the witness raised a hypothetical concern about the processes of balloting and voting he had no specific instances of rigging, tampering or interfering with the postal process.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 Indeed he went further to say that he had no actual complaints about any of those matters.
\par 
\par While he criticized the union for its tardiness in accepting the nomination he appeared to accept some responsibility for the lateness of the filing of that nomination himself.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 His prime complaint was that it was unfair for the union to schedule the election so quickly after the late nomination of Dr. Chand.
\par 
\par In answer to questions from the Court he confirmed that he participated in the process of complaint to the Registrar of Trade Unions about the election together with his nominee Dr. Chand.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 He confirmed that largely the same complaints made out in the Statement of Claim were made to the Registrar.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 He said he wanted the Registrar to decl}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773 are the election null and void.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
\par 
\par He confirmed he was awaiting a decision from the Registrar.
\par 
\par The plaintiff then proceeded to call Dr. Chand.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
He explained the difficulties he had in having his nomination accepted and the frustration he felt at the l
ack of administrative support for his candidacy, particularly demonstrated by the Union pressing on with its election at short notice effectively denying him any opportunity to campaign.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 He had observations about the \'93postal ballots\'94 process. In his experience at University and Parliament he said that must mean actual posting to individual voters.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
He has always in the past found the postal balloting meant that individual voters should receive their individual voting forms through the post.
\par 
\par Somewhat importantly near the conclusion of day 2 he confirmed that he had complained to the Registrar of Trade Unions about the election process right throughout the election and after it.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 He had some 16 lengthy pieces of correspondence with the Registrar about these complaints.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 None of these materials had been \'93discovered\'94 for this case.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 He confirmed that some of those complaints had been answered (see agreed bundle document 30) but that he had not yet received an answer from the Registrar as to whether the election was 
null and void.
\par 
\par I should again record at this point that at the conclusion of evidence on day 2 shortly after 4.30pm I retired to chambers and invited counsel to join me.
\par 
\par In the light of the clear evidence given by the last two plaintiff witnesses I raised again the opportunity of non-suit with the plaintiff.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
I explained to him in relation to decisions which I have earlier referred that this practice may at least preserve for his client or Dr. Chand the right to argue these matters again in some other forum.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 He would not consent and elected to proceed.
\par 
\par It was clear that counsel}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 s original estimate for the length of trial was hopelessly inadequate.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 The estimated two days was never going to be sufficient to complete the matter.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 Accordingly, after consultation with diaries I directed that the matter re-commence again on the 30th}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  of August.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 Resumption of Hearing
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 The matter was scheduled for resumption on the 30th of August 2004.
\par 
\par In the intervening period plaintiff\rquote s counsel decided to amend his claim and gave notice by letter of the 26th of August 2004 that the resumption of the hearing may have to be vacated.
\par 
\par The fixture was vacated and a mention of the matter proceeded in its place with the plaintiff arguing to amend his claim.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
The plaintiff was, however, not fully prepared to proceed that day and the matter was adjourned again at his request to the 9th of September for mention.
\par 
\par At that date the plaintiff had withdrawn his original draft application for leave to amend and add parties and again sought time to file a further application to amend.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 The defendants did not oppose the making of that application but otherwise reserved all their rights.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 The matter was listed for mention again on the 27th of September.
\par 
\par On the 15th of September an inter-parte motion to amend the statement of claim was filed supported by affidavits by the plaintiff and Dr. Chand.
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 30th of September
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 Defendants counsel was unavailable on the 27th of September.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
The matter was recalled on the 30th of September.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 The plaintiff\rquote s application
 for amendment and joinder was refused for the following reasons:
\par 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlblt\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pnf3\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb \'b7}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid8733773 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 The application was defective and not in the correct form.
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlblt\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pnf3\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb \'b7}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid8733773 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 The application was extensive adding totally new causes of action and new parties.
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlblt\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pnf3\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb \'b7}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid8733773 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 The application was being made in the course of proceedings near the end of the plaintiff\rquote s case.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 This feature aggravated the prejudice the defendant would suffer in having to face such an amended claim.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8733773 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
\par Plaintiff\rquote s counsel was again given the choice to consent to non-suit or proceed with this hearing.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
He elected to resume the fixture.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 I indicated to the plaintiff\rquote 
s counsel that in my view the proceedings had been mis-managed from the outset and that any claim for urgency was now totally exhausted and the matter would go back into my ordinary call-over
 list for the allocation of a resumed hearing or fixture on notice.
\par 
\par This procedure was adopted to take into account counsel\rquote s availability.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 Plaintiff\rquote 
s counsel sought a fixture before the 25th of October but was away between the 25th of October and the 19th of November and had some dates available after the 22nd of November.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 Defence counsel had some dates available after the 20th of November.
\par 
\par It was estimated the trial would take a further 3 days to complete and at that time the Court did not have 3 days available in its calendar.
\par 
\par Accordingly, the following orders were made:
\par 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 1.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls3\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls3\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid8733773 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 The plaintiff\rquote s application for amendment and joinder was refused.
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 2.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls3\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls3\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid8733773 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 Costs on that application were reserved.
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 3.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls3\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls3\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid8733773 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 It was noted that the matter was no longer urgent.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 The resumption of the fixture would be arranged on application by counsel.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 However, I noted I was prepared to place the matter on a standby list on 7 days notice.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8733773 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
\par I also directed the typing of the record of the part heard case.
\par 
\par The file can now await any application by the plaintiff for resumption of fixture.
\par 
\par At the date of finalizing this minute no application for resumption of the fixture has been made.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 The record has not been typed.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8733773  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 I direct a further call for mention on the }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
14th of January, 2005.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8733773 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 Gerard Winter
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 JUDGE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8733773 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2373899\charrsid8733773 
\par At Suva
\par 30th September and
\par 14th December, 2004
\par }}