{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\f173\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f174\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f176\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\f177\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f178\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew){\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f179\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic){\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\f180\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f181\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese){\*\falt Times New Roman};}}{\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green255\blue255;
\red0\green255\blue0;\red255\green0\blue255;\red255\green0\blue0;\red255\green255\blue0;\red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue128;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green128\blue0;\red128\green0\blue128;\red128\green0\blue0;\red128\green128\blue0;
\red128\green128\blue128;\red192\green192\blue192;}{\stylesheet{\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext0 Normal;}{
\s1\ql \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel0\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 1;}{
\s2\ql \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\fs24\ul\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 2;}{\*\cs10 \additive \ssemihidden Default Paragraph Font;}{\*
\ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv 
\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \snext11 \ssemihidden Normal Table;}{\s15\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0 
\b\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext15 Body Text 2;}{\s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 
\sbasedon0 \snext16 header;}{\*\cs17 \additive \sbasedon10 page number;}{\s18\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 
\sbasedon0 \snext18 \styrsid14773961 footer;}}{\*\listtable{\list\listtemplateid-453073740\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'00.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}
\ulnone\fbias0 \fi-360\li1440\jclisttab\tx1440\lin1440 }{\listname ;}\listid1641105522}{\list\listtemplateid1563063036\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext
\'03(\'00);}{\levelnumbers\'02;}\fbias0 \fi-720\li1440\jclisttab\tx1440\lin1440 }{\listname ;}\listid2102068581}}{\*\listoverridetable{\listoverride\listid1641105522\listoverridecount0\ls1}{\listoverride\listid2102068581\listoverridecount0\ls2}}
{\*\rsidtbl \rsid948487\rsid3151827\rsid5714149\rsid6955123\rsid8287195\rsid8681729\rsid9129625\rsid10556170\rsid14773961\rsid14895224\rsid16122344}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.6764;}{\info{\title IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{\author Gurmeet}
{\operator blake_r}{\creatim\yr2005\mo12\dy13\hr11\min47}{\revtim\yr2005\mo12\dy13\hr11\min47}{\version2}{\edmins0}{\nofpages4}{\nofwords903}{\nofchars5151}{\*\company Judicial Department}{\nofcharsws6042}{\vern16391}}\margl2160\margr2160 
\widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\hyphcaps0\formshade\horzdoc\dghspace180\dgvspace180\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow0
\jexpand\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot8287195 \fet0\sectd \linex0\endnhere\titlepg\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang 
{\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain 
\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5714149 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid5714149 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT SUVA
\par CIVIL JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8287195 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5714149 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 JUDICIAL REVIEW NO. 4 OF 2004
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8287195 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5714149 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid5714149 Between:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8287195 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5714149 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid5714149 STATE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8287195 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5714149 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5714149 -}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 v}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5714149 -}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8287195 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5714149 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid948487\charrsid5714149 1. }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid5714149 
PUBLIC SERVICE APPEAL BOARD
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid948487\charrsid5714149 2. }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5714149 PERMANENT SECRETARY FOR YOUTH
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid5714149 AND}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5714149\charrsid5714149  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid5714149 EMPLOYMENT
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid5714149 Respondents
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8287195 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5714149 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8681729 Ex-parte:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8287195\charrsid8681729  }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid5714149 PIO QALICA}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid5714149 Applicant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8287195 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 
\par }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid5714149 Mr. R.P. Singh}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid5714149  for the Applicant
\par No representation for the 1st Respondent
\par }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid5714149 Mr. E. Tuiloma}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid5714149  for the 2nd Respondent
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10556170 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid10556170 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8287195 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 
\par This is an application by }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 Pio Qalica}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195  (the \lquote }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 
applicant}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 \rquote ) for judicial review of the decision of the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 Public Service Appeal Board}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195  (the \'93}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 Board}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 \'94 \endash  R1) dated }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 23 October 2003}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195  disallowing the applicant\rquote s appeal on the ground that \'93
the reason is that the appeal was lodged after more than 3 months instead of within 21 days as provided in }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 s26}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6955123  }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 (1)}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6955123  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 (a)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 
 of the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 Public Service Act 1999\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195  (the \lquote }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 Act}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 \rquote ).
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid948487 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 The reliefs sought and grounds for review 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8287195 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 
\par The }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 reliefs}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195  sought and }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 grounds}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195  for review are (as in the motion):
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8681729 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid948487 (1) }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 
For an Order for Certiorari to remove the said decision of the first Respondent dated 23rd October 2003 disallowing appeal of the Applicant into this Honourable Court and same be quashed.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8681729 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8681729 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid948487 (2) }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 
For declaration that the decision of the Public Service Appeal dated 23/10/03 holding that \'93}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 
the reason is that the Appeal after more than three months instead of within 21 days as provided in section 26}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6955123  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 (1)}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6955123  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 (a) of the Public Service Commission Act 1999\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 
 is irregular and irrational in view of the admitted failure of the Ministry of the Permanent Secretary for Youth and Employment to comply with Regulation 23}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6955123  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 (3)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6955123  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 
(b) of the Public Service Regulations 1999 when the Appeal was proper filed on 18/6/03 pursuant to the direction given by the Public Service Commission on 3rd of June 2003.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8681729 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8681729 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid948487 (3) }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 
For declaration that the said decision of the Public Service Board dated 23/10/03 is contrary to provisions of the Public Service Act 1999, irrational irregular and unfair and unreasonable and null and void.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8287195 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid948487 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid948487 The decision impugned 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8287195 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 It is the decision of the Board dated }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 23 October 2003}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 
 which is impugned.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8287195  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 It reads:
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid948487 \b\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 \'93
The Appeal Board has considered your appeal and decided to disallow it.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8287195  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 The reason i
s that the appeal was lodged after more than 3 months instead of within 21 days as provided in Section 26}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6955123  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 (1)}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6955123  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 (a), of the PSC Act, 1999.\'94
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8287195 {\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8681729 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 Consideration of the application}{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 
\par 
\par The grounds on which the judicial review was sought are that the decision of the Board is \lquote irrational\rquote , \lquote irregular\rquote , \lquote unfair\rquote , \lquote unreasonable\rquote  and \lquote null and void\rquote .}{
\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827 
\par }{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid948487\charrsid8287195 
\par }{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 The decision which was appealed against to the Board was made on }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 6 December 2002}{
\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195  when it was decided by the second respondent to post the applicant to Headquarters (Suva) at the expiry of his leave i.e. 03/02/03\rquote .}{
\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8287195  }{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 To this the applicant replied on }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 16 December 2002}{
\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195  protesting against the transfer.}{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8287195  }{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 On }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 6 January 2003}{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195  R2 informed the applicant that the decision \lquote remains in force\rquote  and that he should \'93
make arrangements to move to Suva as soon as possible\'94.
\par 
\par The applicant was engaged in DISMAC operation during the period of Emergency after Cyclone Ami from 14 January to 14 February 2003.}{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8287195  }{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 
His duties with DISMAC lapsed on 14 February 2003 and he has not still reported on transfer to Headquarters.}{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8287195  }{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 
This was communicated to him and he was asked to explain why his salary should not be suspended from the next pay day viz. 6 March 2003.
\par 
\par The applicant says that he appealed to the Board on }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 18 June 2003}{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195  \lquote on advice of the Public Service Commission
\rquote  when it said, inter alia, that \'93Mr. Qalica may appeal the decision to the Appeals Board under }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 s25}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid948487  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 (1)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid948487  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 (a)}{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 
 of the }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 Public Service Act}{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 \'94
\par }{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8681729 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 Lodgment of appeal
\par }{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8681729 
\par }{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 Under }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 s26}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid948487  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 (1)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid948487  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 (a)}{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 
 of the Act the applicant should have appealed within 21 days of 6 January 2003 when he was informed that the decision stood.
\par 
\par He did not do so until}{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8287195  }{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 18 June 2003.}{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8287195  }{
\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 He was well out of time by about six months.}{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8287195  }{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 
He has given his reason for t}{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16122344 he delay in lodging the appeal.}{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 
\par 
\par Be that as it may, the matter that is of some concern to me is that the appeal papers were }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 accepted}{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 
 by the Board presumably under }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 s26}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid948487  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 (1)}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid948487  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 (b)}{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195  of the Act which provides that the Board may allow \lquote further time
\rquote  \lquote on sufficient reason being shown by the applicant\rquote .}{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8287195  }{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 That this was so is shown by the papers prepared 
\par 
\par for appeal by the Secretary to the Board when he stated on 17 September 2003 that \'93it is recommended that the Appeal Board deliberate on the issue based on evidence provided and come to a decision.\'94
\par 
\par Thereafter the Appeal was }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 fully heard}{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195  on }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 14 October 2003}
{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 .}{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8287195  }{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 There are t
hree and a half pages of Minutes of the proceedings and signed on 24 October 2003.}{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8287195  }{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 There it stated at the end:}{
\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8287195  }{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 \'93In view of the foregoing the Board has decided to disallow the appeal.}{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8287195  }{
\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 The reason is that the appeal was lodged after more than three months instead of within 21 days as provided in Section 26(1)}{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid948487  }{
\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 (a) of the PSC Act 1999.\'94
\par 
\par One wonders why the Board gave its decision on a matter, that is, whether the applicant was out of time or not, which was not before it for its consideration.
\par 
\par It had certain specific issues before it and without deciding on those it decided on something unrelated to the issues.
\par 
\par In other words the Board failed badly in its duty as an appellate body.}{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8287195  }{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 It actually shirked its responsibility of making a decision on 
the issues before it after the Appeal papers were accepted by the Board. 
\par 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 Conclusion
\par }{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8681729 
\par }{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 For these reasons I find that the Board has not acted in accordance with the law in not giving its decision on the issues before it.
\par 
\par I therefore grant certiorari and quash the decision.
\par 
\par I think I ought to state here that the decision the subject-matter}{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8287195  }{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 of the appeal had been subsequently adjudicated upon}{
\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8287195  }{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 by }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 Jiten Singh J}{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8287195 
 in Judicial Review No. HBJ00}{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 20 of 2003 on 17 March 2004 in which the parties were Pio Calica and the Permanent Secretary for Youth and Employment.
\par 
\par I therefore do not see any reason to remit the matter to the tribunal with a direction to reconsider it which is permissible under Or.53 r.}{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14773961  }{
\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 9(4) of the High Court Rules 1988.
\par 
\par For these reasons I grant the }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 order of certiorari}{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195  and quash the decision with }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 costs}{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195  to the applicant\rquote s solicitors the sum of }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 
$400.00}{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195  against the Public Service Appeal Board.
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8287195 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 D. Pathik
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid9129625 Judge
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8287195 {\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8287195 
\par }{\b0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3151827\charrsid8681729 At Suva
\par 10 September 2004 
\par }}