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\par CIVIL JURISDICTION
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 {\insrsid15818472 CIVIL ACTION NO. HBC243 OF 1996L
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 {\insrsid15818472 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 {\b\insrsid15818472 PHILIP THOMAS
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 {\b\insrsid15818472 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 {\b\insrsid15818472 V
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 {\b\insrsid15818472 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 {\b\insrsid15818472 FIJI ELECTRICITY AUTHORITY
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 {\b\insrsid15818472 
\par }{\insrsid15818472 Gates J.
\par }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
\par }{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472 Mr Vuataki and Mr Qoro for the Plaintiff
\par Mr Anu Patel for the Defendant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 {\insrsid15818472 29 June, 24 August, 4 October 2000}{\insrsid12541756 
\par }{\insrsid15818472 21 November 2001, 27 August 2004
\par }{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 {\b\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 {\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15075727 {\b\insrsid12541756\charrsid396237 Employment Act Cap 92; summary dismissal for misconduct s.28(1); whether plaintiff
 assaulted fellow employee; whether assault sufficiently proximate to and related to workplace; contract of employment and collective agreement; statutory protection; whether proper investigation and procedure followed; whether rules breached; whether pro
per notice of charge; whether dismissal constituted breach of employment contract; Permanent Arbitrator and Trade Disputes Act procedure not pursued; narrow focus for High Court on contract only.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid396237 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 [1]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 \tab 
The plaintiff claims his employer breached his employment contract.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
He says no company rule had been breached as a result of his assault on a fellow employee, that the incident was inadequately investigated, and that he was denied an opportunity to participate properly in the procedure.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 He also says the incident took place outside the workplace, after hours, and that the incident was of no proper concern of his employer.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 He argues he should not have been dismissed.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
\par 
\par [2]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 \tab The defendant says the plaintiff was correctly dealt with and had been properly dismissed.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
If the plaintiff felt he had been unfairly dismissed he should have gone to the Permanent Arbitrator under the procedure of the Trade Disputes Act Cap. 97.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 The trial was heard over 3 days, each side calling 3 witnesses.
\par 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 Was there an assault?
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 {\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 [3] \tab The plaintiff joined FEA in 1991 as a trainee linesman.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{
\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 He completed probationary service and thereafter worked as a linesman stationed at the defendant\rquote s Navutu Depot, near Lautoka.
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 [4] \tab 
On 27 July 1995 the plaintiff and 10 workmen returned from a day\rquote s work in Tavua.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 They reached the depot at about 4.20 pm.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 One Subash Chandra sat in front in the truck and the plaintiff with others in the back.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }
{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 When the truck stopped, Subash got out.
\par 
\par [5]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 \tab As Subash picked 
up his lunch box from the tray at the back so as to place it in his car, one of his colleagues as a matter of horseplay, slapped him on his head.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 The plaintiff, as well as his brother Alfred who testified, thought the person responsible for this was Joape.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 Subash turned around, said the plaintiff, and swore at another colleague.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 There was an exchange of swearing which gave offence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
Subash thought the rude comments about his mother and his wife had been made by the plaintiff.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 The plaintiff denied this, and w
as supported to some extent by his brother. The brother Alfred however}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
failed to identify who, as an alternative, was the person doing the offensive swearing, which had by then become personal.
\par 
\par [6]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 \tab The plaintiff said Subash came up to him and threatened him, and told him }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 to watch out}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 The plaintiff said he left Subash and went to punch his card.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
But when he went outside the main gate, he waited for Subash.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 Later he said }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 I deliberately waited outside for him}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 .
\par 
\par [7]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 \tab In his letter of explanation of 18 August 1995 addressed to the Personnel Manager, the plaintiff wrote that }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 after he (Subash) had threatened me, I lost my temper.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 So after punching my card, I waited for him outside the main gate \'85.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 

\par 
\par [8]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 \tab When Subash complained orally to his foreman about th
e horseplay near the truck and the offensive swearing in relation to his mother and his wife, the foreman told him to take the matter up with Philip first.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 I told Philip}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472  said Subash, }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 Philip swore again and said he would see me at the Gatehouse}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 When Subash went out Philip was waiting there for him.
\par 
\par [9]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 \tab On the issue of his brother\rquote s anger, Alfred commented in his evidence: }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472 "
}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 It is very hard to get him angry, but once angry, hard to stop him}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 .

\par 
\par [10]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 \tab The plaintiff himself concedes he was angry and said he deliberately waited for Subash outside the gates.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 But he had already had his discussion with Subash inside.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 In his first letter of explanation of 3 August 1995 to the Operations Manager Engineering the plaintiff concluded by saying:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15818472 {\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472 "}{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 I had no intent to punched (sic) him or hurt him.}{
\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 I just wanted to shake him and probably get some sense into him.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472 "}{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
\par Undoubtedly the plaintiff was the aggressor at this stage, a conclusion reached also and validly, by the Personnel Officer of the defendant company.
\par 
\par [11]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 \tab When Subash came out, the plaintiff was waiting for him.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 Subash said }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
He (Philip) held my collar and pushed me to the fence and hit me with a hockey stick.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 I was hurt on my inside cheek, a cut, and my ear.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472 " }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 The supervisor told Subash to go to the hospital.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 He obtained a short medical certificate and was prescribed amoxyl, and diazapan, a low grade sleeping tablet and muscle relaxant.
\par 
\par [12] \tab Dr Naidu Munsamy of the Accident and Emergency Department of the Lautoka Hospital, gave evidence of his examination of Subash and of his findings.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 He had an x-ray carried out which revealed that there was no fracture of the mandible (lower jaw).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 Subash had complained of being punched on the left side of the face.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
He was found to be bleeding from the left ear drum.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 He had a laceration inside the left cheek.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 He complained also of pain on opening and closing his mouth.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 There was tenderness to the left angle of the lower jaw.
\par 
\par [13]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 \tab What had caused these injuries?}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 Were they caused by a punch, from being shaken, from being pushed against the fence post, or from being pushed on the face by a hand holding a hockey stick?
\par 
\par [14]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 \tab There were 3 eyewitnesses.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 Since this occurred at around 5 pm when employees on the day shift were departing for home, one might have expected others to have witnessed the incident.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 If so, none came forward.
\par 
\par [15]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 \tab In this written report to the Operations Manager, Subash said:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15818472 {\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472 "}{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
After punching my card at 4.49 pm I went out and he punched me and held my collar and pushed me to fence pole where I got hurt and also with hockey stick which hit my lips so I got cut.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472 "}{
\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 [16]}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{
\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 \tab In his evidence Subash\rquote s account was:
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15818472 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472 "}{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
He was waiting there.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 He held my collar and pushed me to the fence and hit me with a hockey stick.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472 "}{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 In cross-examination he said:
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15818472 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472 "}{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
He hit me with a hockey stick.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 Grabbed my overall at front and hit me with other hand with hockey stick.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
He pushed me with it.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 It was not a swing.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid15075727 More a push-punch}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472 "}{
\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 {\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
\par [17] \tab Hassan Ali called by the plaintiff said he remembered }{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472 "}{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 the day there was a fight}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472 "}{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 .}{
\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 He said he saw Philip holding Subash\rquote s shirt.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
He demonstrated holding the buttons of the lower shirt area.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 Philip said to Subash }{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472 "}{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 Did you hear?}{
\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472 " }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 Then Hassan went and separated them.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 He did not see any hockey stick in Philip\rquote 
s hand, nor any assault of Subash, or any punching or shaking.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 Later in cross-examination he admitted Philip had shaken Subash with one hand.
\par 
\par [18]}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 \tab A letter addressed to the Personnel Manager was put to this witness.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 It had been written at Hassan
\rquote s dictation by a neighbour for him.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 Hassan said the neighbour was a totally independent person who did not know the plaintiff.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{
\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 He had no reason to add things to the letter.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 It referred to }{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472 "}{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 a commotion}{
\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472 "}{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472  outside the main gate between Philip and Subash, and recorded that Philip had held Subash by the collar and was shaking him.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{
\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 He said he did not see any punching.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 In his evidence Hassan at first denied the shaking.
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 [19]}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{
\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 \tab Alfred Thomas gave no evidence of the incident itself.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 He saw Subash when he came back inside the depot and noticed that he looked shocked.}{
\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 He said he did not see any injuries on him, nor to his lips.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
He said he and his brother played hockey and trained weekdays.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 Normally the hockey sticks were kept in a hockey stick bag which he kept.
\par }{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472 
\par }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 [20] \tab The plaintiff said he went outside and waited for Subash.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 He did not have the hockey stick with him at the time.}{
\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 He held Subash by his overall, the top front part with one hand.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
He said he did not do anything physical to him other than hold his overall.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 He denied punching him or hitting him with a hockey stick.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{
\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 He said his knuckle did not come into contact with Subash\rquote s lower lip.
\par 
\par [21]}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 \tab In cross-examination he eventually admitted he did shake Subash, which is what he had admitted in his first written explanation to the Operations Manager on 3 August 1995.}{
\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 He later admitted also that he had assaulted Subash, and admitted he was at fault.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
He maintained that he did not punch Subash, and I accept that.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 So how did he cause the injuries?}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
Was it whilst holding the hockey stick in his other hand or was it in the shaking of Subash thus bringing Subash\rquote s ear, cheek and jaw against the fence pole?
\par 
\par [22]\tab Subash\rquote s evidence was unembroidered.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 He gave his evidence simply and convincingly.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
Hassan said there was a fight but then gave no evidence of any assault.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 He even initially denied the shaking, yet he was the person who saw fit to break up his two colleagues.}{
\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 Right at the end of his cross-examination he admitted Philip had in fact shaken Subash.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
The plaintiff also made less of the consequences of his own anger.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 He admitted having his work bag with him.
\par 
\par [23]}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 \tab I prefer Subash\rquote s account of the cause of his facial injuries.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
Hassan lacked independence and credibility on this issue.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 He was trying to make less of the incident as far as Philip was concerned.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{
\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 On a balance of probabilities I find that Philip held a hockey stick in his hand at the time.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 He was going to play hockey straight after work.}{
\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 Philip shook Subash by the front collar of his overall with one hand.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
With the other hand he pushed him back, forcibly and in anger, by pushing him on the left side of the face with the hand that clenched the hockey stick.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
Effectively, as Subash explained, it was a push-punch.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 This hand and hockey stick thus caused the injuries to the ear, inside cheek and lower mandible.}{
\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 In doing so, the plaintiff assaulted a fellow employee.
\par }{\b\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
\par Did the incident affect the contract of employment?
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 [24]}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{
\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 \tab Put another way, was this an incident sufficiently proximate to the work place to cause a breach of the employment contract?}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
Was it significant that the plaintiff had clocked off from work and that the assault had occurred outside the main gate?}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
\par 
\par [25] \tab The incident was one which began near the truck at the depot entrance, continued inside with an exchange of words, and ended near the fence outside the gates.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
It was an incident properly of concern to the employer.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
It bore directly upon the relationship the plaintiff had with fellow employees at the workplace in the way in which they carried out their duties together.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
It affected the way in which they carried out their work for their employer.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 It also occurred at the ingress and egress point of the workplace, the depot.}{
\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
\par 
\par [26] \tab No plan of the extent of the site owned by the defendant was exhibited.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 Alfred Thomas said the car park (where the assault incident occurred) belonged to the defendant.}{
\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 He said it was within the depot complex.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
There was a distance of about 20-30 metres from the car park to the access road.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 Hassan also agreed that the car park was within the defendant\rquote s area.}{
\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 The car park had been built by contractors for FEA.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
FEA cleaned and maintained the car park. No-one else did that.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 FEA\rquote s staff and employees used the car park, as well as visitors who had business at the depot.}{
\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
\par 
\par [27]}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 \tab I find that the car park was an extension of, or part of, the defendant\rquote s depot.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
Though the plaintiff and Subash had clocked off and left the main gates they were still on the defendant\rquote s premises and still at their work place.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
Even if the car park were not part of the defendant\rquote 
s premises, I would have found the incident was sufficiently proximate to the ingress and egress point of their work place for it to have been intended by the parties to have been a place where the conduct of the parties was yet to be s
ubject to the contract of employment.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 The process of becoming }{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472 "}{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 off duty}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472 "}{
\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472  was not complete, nor was the plaintiff away from his workplace.
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 How did the contract govern this incident?

\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 [28]}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{
\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 \tab The plaintiff exhibited his letter of appointment in which he was to start work as a trainee linesman on 12 June 1992.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
It referred to terms and conditions of service.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 The plaintiff signed the letter showing his acceptance of the contract.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{
\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 The letter also stated:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15818472 {\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472 "}{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 All other terms and conditions of your employment will be 
as contained in an agreement between the Authority and/or the FEA Hourly Paid Employees Union.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472 "}{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 {\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
\par [29]}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 \tab It seems immaterial of which Union the plaintiff was a member at the material time or even if he were a member of none, in view of this part of the contract.}{
\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 The parties were agreeing to be bound by the agreement between the authority and the FEA Hourly Pa
id Employees Union, and were incorporating it into the contract of employment between the plaintiff and the defendant.
\par 
\par [30]}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 \tab The latest collective agreement was exhibited.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
It was dated 1 March 1994, which was also its commencement date.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 Chapter IV dealt with discipline, suspension, termination and dismissal.
\par 
\par [31]}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 \tab There is statutory protection against summary dismissal for oral contracts provided in section 28 of the Employment Act Cap 92, which states:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15075727 {\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472 "}{\b\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 28.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{
\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 An employer shall not dismiss an employee summarily except in the following circumstances:}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 a)\tab}}\pard\plain \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls6\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid15075727 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 where an employee is guilty of misconduct inconsistent with the fulfilment of the express or implied conditions of his contract of service;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 {\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 b)\tab}}\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls6\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid15818472 {\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
for wilful disobedience to lawful orders given by the employer;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 {\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 c)\tab}}\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls6\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3045414 {\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
for lack of the skill which the employee expressly or by implication}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 warrants himself to possess;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3045414 {\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 d)\tab}}\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls6\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid15818472 {\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
for habitual or substantial neglect of his duties;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3045414 {\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 e)\tab}}\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls6\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3045414 {\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
for continual absence from work without the permission of the}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 employer and without other reasonable excuse.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid15818472 "}{\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 

\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12541756 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 [32]}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{
\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 \tab If summary dismissal is not appropriate, notice of termination may be given by either party the length of notice depending on the contract period and the frequency of payment of wages [section 24(1)].}{
\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 Hours of work are expressed in the letter of appointment to be 44 per week, and salary as 2.6604 (dollars) per hour.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{
\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 There was no specific evidence as to the frequency of pay; presumably it was either weekly or fortnightly.
\par 
\par [33]}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 \tab The contract was thus partly written and partly oral, i
n the sense that in a case such as this where there is no fully written contract, some terms will have to be implied as being clearly intended by the parties.
\par 
\par [34]}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 \tab In }{\i\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 The State v The Arbitration Tribunal Ex parte Air Pacific Ltd}{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756  (unreported) Suva High Co
urt Judicial Review No. 14 of 2000S, 8 May 2001, Scott J aptly described Fiji\rquote s Employment Act as obsolete.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 It lacks the combined protective measures of England\rquote 
s Human Rights Act 1998 or the Employment Rights Act 1996.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 No doubt this position will change for Fiji before long.
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 Was there compliance with the contract in the procedural handling of the complaint?
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12541756 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 [35]}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{
\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 \tab The plaintiff complains of having been dismissed when he had not, by his assault on Subash, broken any company rule.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 He says the assault shoul
d have been the matter of a complaint to the police.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 They would then have investigated and if need be prosecuted for an offence under the Penal Code.
\par 
\par [36]}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 \tab It is correct that such a complaint could have been made to the police.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 But an employer may proceed
 in several ways, and may choose, if need be, not to make a police report: }{\i\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 Ridge v Baldwin}{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756  [1964] AC 40.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 
Anyway this was a matter chiefly for the victim, who no doubt decided against bringing a criminal charge.
\par 
\par [37]}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 \tab It is not necessary for there to be a specific rule that an employee must not assault another.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 
It will be implied into an employment contract that a disruptive criminal act committed on a fellow employee will render the aggressor liable to summary dismissal.
\par 
\par [38]}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 \tab As for notice of the charge,
 the plaintiff said in his evidence that when he went to work on the next day he knew of the complaint which had been made to his Section Head, the Maintenance Engineer.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 
The Engineer asked him to write a letter to him explaining what had happened.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 The plaintiff had time to consider his position and tendered his letter dated 3 August 1995.}{
\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 He received a memorandum after that from the Personnel Manager headed }{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756 "}{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 Subject: assault \endash  Subhas Chandra}
{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756 "}{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756  dated 14 August 1995.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 The memorandum set out the date, time, plac
e, victim, circumstances, details of assault, and injuries suffered for the allegation.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 He was asked to provide a written explanation by 4.30 pm on 21 August 1995.
\par 
\par [39]}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 \tab The plaintiff responded a second time on 18 August 1995.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 On 21 November 1995 he was g
iven his suspension letter after the defendant\rquote s Personnel Manager had considered that he had indeed assaulted Subash.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 
The suspension was said to be pending dismissal in terms of clause 7(e)(i) of the collective agreement.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 This was taken from the collectiv
e agreement between the defendant and the Fiji Electricity and Allied Workers Union of 7 July 1994.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 
The wording of the clause was in identical wording to the equivalent clause in the collective agreement with the FEA Hourly Paid Employees Union governing the plaintiff\rquote s contract with which the defendant wholly complied.}{
\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 I find the plaintiff had adequate notice of what was alleged against him.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 He knew it was an}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472  allegation of an assault and he was given fulsome particulars as well.
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12541756 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 [40]}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{
\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 \tab The plaintiff says the complaint was not properly investigated.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 I indicated earlier on that it was surprising that more of the plaintiff\rquote 
s colleagues had not witnessed the incident.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 Presumably no others were willing to come forward.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 
It is noteworthy only one person came forward and that was Hassan.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 If others could have thrown light on the incident they could have been called by either side.}{
\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 They were not.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 From this I conclude an investigation would not have brought any further elucida
ting evidence to bear on the matter at the time the employer was investigating the matter.
\par 
\par [41]}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 \tab Mr Josaia Boseiwaqa, the Personnel Manager of the defendant gave evidence.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 
He spoke of his dealing with the complaint, and following the receipt of the written complaint of Subash and the medical report, he caused a letter to go to the plaintiff seeking his explanation.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{
\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 He received a reply from the plaintiff, then a}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 fuller explanation.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 
He said he }{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756 "}{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 considered all the circumstances of the case.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 I had to make a submission.}{
\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 Assault is dealt with by dismissal if in workplace.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756 " }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 
It was clear that Mr Boseiwaqa had weighed the three accounts carefully.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 He gave his reasons, in his cross-examination, for his conclusions.
\par 
\par [42] \tab Though the investigation might have been more pro-active and thorough, it was focused correctly on whether there had been an assault.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 
An employer is not expected to be a trained investigator or detective.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 I consider that the defendant had caused to be made into the incident sufficient inquiry as was 
reasonable in the circumstances:}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\i\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 Foley v Post Office }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 [2000] 1CR 1283.
\par 
\par [43]}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 \tab It was not necessary for there to be a court procedure or anything like it.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 
The person accused of assault was able to write on two occasions with his side of the story and prior to that he knew the details of the allegation.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 
He could have engaged the support of others for his account if necessary, and they could have submitted their statements.
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 The dismissal
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12541756 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 [44]\tab 
It is clear summary dismissal is open to an employer for gross misconduct under section 28(a) of the Employment Act.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 
An assault on a fellow employee is an act inconsistent with an implied condition of his contract of service not to assault a colleague.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 
An assault could amount to gross misconduct, since it is criminal in nature, irrespective of whether it becomes a police case.
\par 
\par [45]}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 \tab Subash said in his letter of complaint that he hoped that the necessary disciplinary action would be taken.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{
\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 This might have meant some punishment other than the draconian penalty of dismissal.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 This court, if the }{\insrsid15075727\charrsid12541756 employer}
{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756  might have proceeded differently.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 That is not the point.
\par 
\par [46]}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 \tab In }{\i\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 X v Y}{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756  [2004] EWCA Civ 662 the English Court of Appeal said [at para 9]
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12541756 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756 "}{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 
In a claim for unfair dismissal the employment tribunal, the appeal tribunal and this court must all resist the temptation to substitute themselves as the applicant\rquote s employer, which they were not.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{
\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 In the case of an appeal to the employmen
t appeal tribunal or to this court, which is limited by statute to questions of law, the appellate bodies must resist the temptation to substitute themselves for the fact-finding employment tribunal, which they are not.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756 
"}{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12541756 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 [47]}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{
\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 \tab The law on dismissal for conduct is clear.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 It has been said to be a four pronged test.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{
\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 The Foley test was cited with approval in }{\i\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 X v Y}{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756  (supra at para 18):
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12541756 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756 "}{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 
the employer must show that he believed that there 
had been misconduct by the employee; that there were reasonable grounds for that belief; that he had carried out as much investigation into the matter as was reasonable in all the circumstances; and that the decision to dismiss him for that conduct reason
 was within the range of reasonable responses of a reasonable employer.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756 "}{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12541756 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 [48]\tab 
This is not an employment tribunal or appeal tribunal.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 This matter could have been taken through the Trade Disputes Act procedure to the Permanent Arbitrator.}{
\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 It was not.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 The onl
y jurisdiction for this court is to decide whether in dismissing the plaintiff for the assault the employer broke the contract of employment it had with the plaintiff.}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 
I find the plaintiff has failed to prove such a breach.
\par 
\par [49]}{\insrsid15818472\charrsid12541756  }{\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 \tab In the result, the plaintiff\rquote s claim is dismissed.
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15818472 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12541756\charrsid15818472 
\par }\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12541756 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 A.H.C.T. GATES
\par JUDGE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12541756 {\insrsid12541756\charrsid12541756 
\par Solicitors for the Plaintiff: Messrs Vuataki & Associates, Lautoka
\par Solicitors for the Defendant: Messrs S.B. Patel & Company, Lautoka
\par }}