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\f170\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT LABASA
\par CIVIL JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10888239 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 
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\par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10888239 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10888239 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 BETWEEN:}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239\charrsid10888239 

\par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10888239 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239\charrsid10888239 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10888239 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 SOMAI PRASAD}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239\charrsid10888239  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 s/o Bal Deo,}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239\charrsid10888239 
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 GAYA PRASAD}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239\charrsid10888239  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 s/o Ram, Dayal,}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239\charrsid10888239 
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 BABU RAM}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239  s/o Bal Deo,
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 RAGHUNATH}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239  s/o Badri Prasad,}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239\charrsid10888239 
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 NILESH KUMAR}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239\charrsid10888239  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 s/o Dudh Nath}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239\charrsid10888239 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 all of Nasarowaqa, Bua,
\par Cultivator.
\par PLAINTIFFS
\par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10888239 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10888239 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239\charrsid10888239 AND}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 :}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239\charrsid10888239 
\par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10888239 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239\charrsid10888239 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10888239 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 ALFRED JOHN WILLIAMS}{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239\charrsid10888239 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 as executor in the estate of }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid13926104 HENRY DAVID WILLIAMS}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239  deceased,
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid13926104 ILISONI SANADALI}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239\charrsid13926104 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 as executor in the estate of}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239\charrsid10888239  }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid13926104 
ALFRED JOHN WILLIAMS}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239  and}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239\charrsid10888239 
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid13926104 THOMAS BULL}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239\charrsid13926104 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 as executor in the estate of }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid13926104 SELINA BULL}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239\charrsid10888239 

\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 all of}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239\charrsid10888239  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 Nasarowaqa, Bua, Landlords.
\par DEFENDANTS
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10888239 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 
\par Counsel for the Plaintiffs:}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239 \tab }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 A. Sen:}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239\charrsid10888239  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 Maqbool}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239\charrsid10888239  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 & Co.
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239\charrsid10888239 Counsel for the Defendants}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 :}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239 \tab }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 V. Paras Ram\tab :}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239\charrsid10888239  )}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li2880\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2880\itap0\pararsid10888239 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 Ms Prasad}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239 \tab }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 :}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239\charrsid10888239  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 )}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239\charrsid10888239  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 Gibson & Co.
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10888239 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 
\par Date of Decision:}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239\charrsid10888239  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 27 July, 2004
\par Time of Decision:}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239\charrsid10888239  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 9.30 a.m.
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10888239 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 DECISION
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\par This is the Defendants\rquote  application to strike out the Plaintiffs\rquote  action under Order 18 Rule 18 (1) (d) of the High Court Rules, namely that the action is an abuse of the process of the Court.
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 The five (5) Plaintiffs were tenant farmers on the Defendants\rquote  land namely Crown Grants Nos. 1237 and 1238 on at most a yearly basis.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 
There is no dispute that as such, the tenants had been paying their annual rents on a regular basis until the Defendants solicitors notice terminating their tenancy with effect from 31 December, 1999.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 Plaintiffs\rquote  Case}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 
\par 
\par The Plaintiffs case is based on the Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Act (ALTA) (Cap 270) and specifically sections 4, 5 and 6 of the Act.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 In summary, section 4 presumes a tenancy exists if there is a continuing occupation of more than 3 years; section 5 deals 
with the right of a tenant to apply to the Tribunal for a declaration of tenancy; and section 6 on the statutory term to be given to the tenancy.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 In respect of their claim, the Plaintiffs are claiming that they have been in continuing occupancy of their ho
ldings for several years and under the Act they are entitled to continue their tenancy and to be issued with a proper contract of tenancy.
\par 
\par In their Statement of Claim, the Plaintiffs seek}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239 :}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 
\par 
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Possession of their respective agricultural holdings occupied and or cultivated by the Plaintiffs in accordance with sections 4, 5 and 6 of the Agricultural Landlords and Tenants Act.
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{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid10888239 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 
An injunction restraining the first Defendant either through his servants or agents in interfering with the Plaintiffs\rquote  occupation and cultivation of their respective holdings.
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{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid10888239 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 Alternatively, a declaration that the Plaintiffs are entitled for a thirty \{sic}{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239 :}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239  years\} tenancy of their respective holdings pursuant to section 6 of the Agricultural Landlords and Tenants Act Cap 270.}{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239 '}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10888239 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid13926104 
\par }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 Defendants\rquote  Motion to Strike Out}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 
\par 
\par In its defence, the Defendants deny the existence of any right to tenancy by the Plaintiffs.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 
In the alternative and which has now given rise to Defendants\rquote  application to strike out the claim, the Defendants\rquote  submit that the proper forum to address the Plaintiffs\rquote 
 claims is in the Agricultural Tribunal established under the provisions of section 16.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 
The Tribunal, according to Counsel, is empowered to deal with all matters relating to agricultural land, including specifically the declaration of a tenancy.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 Thereafter, any appeals go to the Central Agricultural Tribunal.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 The only time any matter may go before the High Court, according to the Defendants, is by case stated.
\par 
\par The Plaintiffs argue, in support of their case, that the High Court has unlimited original jurisdiction to hear and determine any civil proceedings under any law.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 Counsel referred the Court to section 119 of the Constitution that sets out the jurisdiction of the High Court.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 In particular, sub}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239 -}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 sections (1) and (2) state}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239 :}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid10888239 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239 '}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 (1)\tab 
The High Court has unlimited original jurisdiction to hear and determine any civil or criminal proceedings under any law and such other original jurisdiction as is conferred on it under this Constitution.
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13926104 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid13926104 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\s15 \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (2)\tab}}\pard \s15\ql \fi-660\li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls2\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart2\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid10888239 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 The High Court has original jurisdicti
on in any matter arising under this Constitution or involving its interpretation.}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239 '}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10888239 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid13926104 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 These provisions, according to the Plaintiffs, grant the High Court the powers to hear matters over and above the jurisdiction accorded to the Agricultural Tribunal.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 Counsel referred as authority for this proposition the case of }{
\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 Chattar Ban}{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid13926104  v. }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 Banraji}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239  Labasa CA }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104 0080.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 1988.
\par 
\par There is also the issue of the injunction application by the Plaintiffs to restrain the first Defendant from interfering with the Plaintiffs\rquote  continuing occupation and enjoyment of the land.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 It is because injunctive reliefs are not available to the Plaintiffs at the Tribunal, that they have begun these proceedings in the High Court.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 Counsel argued that under the circumstances, the High Court cannot close the door on the Plaintiffs.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 Court\rquote s Consideration}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 
\par 
\par The ALTA is }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239 '}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 
An Act to provide for the relations between landlords and tenants of agricultural holdings and for matters connected thereto.}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239 '}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 Section 3 states that the }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239 '}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 
Act shall apply to all agricultural land in Fiji,}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239 '}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239  except in situations set out in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of section 3 (1).

\par 
\par Section 16 of the Act establishes Agricultural Tribunals exercising the powers of a Magistrate\rquote s Court, and whose powers and duties are set out under Part IV of the Act and in particular section 22.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 Of immediate relevance to this proceeding, are the provisions at S. 22 (1) (g) and (j) which state}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239 :}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid13926104 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239 '}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 22 \tab (1)
}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239  }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 In respect of its agricultural district, a tribunal may, upon the application of a landlord or a tenant of an ag
ricultural holding \endash 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13926104 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid13926104 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\s15 \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (a)\tab}}\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li2160\ri0\nowidctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls3\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls3\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid10888239 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 . . .
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\s15 \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (b)\tab}}\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li2160\ri0\nowidctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls3\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls3\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid10888239 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 . . .
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\s15 \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (c)\tab}}\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li2160\ri0\nowidctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls3\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls3\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid10888239 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 . . .
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\s15 \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (d)\tab}}\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li2160\ri0\nowidctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls3\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls3\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid10888239 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 . . .
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\s15 \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (e)\tab}}\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li2160\ri0\nowidctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls3\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls3\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid10888239 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 . . .
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\s15 \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (f)\tab}}\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li2160\ri0\nowidctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls3\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls3\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid10888239 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 . . .
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\s15 \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (g)\tab}}\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li2160\ri0\nowidctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls3\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls3\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid10888239 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 grant relief against eviction, re}{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239 -}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 entry or forfeiture in respect of any holding whether created or in existence before or after the commencement of this Act;

\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13926104 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid13926104 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\s15 \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (h)\tab}}\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li2160\ri0\nowidctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls3\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls3\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid10888239 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 . . .
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\s15 \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (i)\tab}}\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li2160\ri0\nowidctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls3\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls3\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid10888239 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 . . .
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13926104 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid13926104 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\s15 \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (j)\tab}}\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li2160\ri0\nowidctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls3\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls3\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid10888239 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 decide any dispute between
 a landlord and tenant of agricultural land relating to such land and the provisions of this Act, and to exercise any power or duty, including the power to specify the period of time a decisions shall be in force, necessary for the implementation of any p
ower, duty or functions conferred by or imposed under the provisions of this sub}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239 -}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 section or of this Act}{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239 :}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10888239 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li2160\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid10888239 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 
Provided that the Tribunal shall not adjudicate upon the length of the term contained in a contract of tenancy or extension thereof;}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239 '}{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10888239 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 
\par It is patently obvious that in the scheme of things as envisaged by the lawmakers, that all Fiji\rquote 
s agricultural land and specifically the relationship between the landlord and tenant were to be administered, under ALTA, excepting those under S.3 (1) (a) (b) and (c).}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 A tribunal is created to deal with any dispute between the parties, with the right of appeal for the aggrieved to the Central Agricultural Tribunal.
\par 
\par In this instance, the Court holds the view that the Plaintiffs proper recourse lies before the Tribunal and not this Court.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 
The reliefs they seek are within the competence of that forum.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 
First in respect of the declaration of a tenancy, the Tribunal has the powers to do so under sections 5 and 6 of the Act.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 
Secondly, in the relief against eviction, the Tribunal\rquote s jurisdiction and powers are contained in section 22 (1) as set out above.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 The argument submitted by the Plaintiff of injunction not being available before the Tribunal, and which necessitated the bringing of this case to the High Court is, in my view, misco
nceived.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 The very fact that a dispute is placed before the Tribunal should result in the status quo being maintained by the parties.
}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 It would be extremely foolhardy for a landlord, the Defendants in this case, to proceed with the eviction of the Plaintiffs
, while the matter is before the Tribunal.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 
Contempt proceedings would seem to this Court, appropriate in case the Tribunal proceedings are ignored.
\par 
\par The unlimited original jurisdiction of the High Court does not, in the Court\rquote s view, open the door to every litigant that otherwise have in place proper forum to seek relief from, to come to in the first instance.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 The process of the Court available to the Plaintiffs under ALTA must first be used before they can seek relief elsewhere.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10888239  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 In my view, the Plaintiff\rquote s
 attempt in coming to this Court to seek reliefs that are obtainable under ALTA, from the Tribunal, amounts to an abuse of the process of the Court.
\par 
\par In the circumstances, the Plaintiffs\rquote  action is struck out.
\par 
\par I award $150.00 to the Defendants.
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10888239 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 F. Jitoko
\par }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 JUDGE}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10888239 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13926104\charrsid10888239 
\par At Labasa
\par 27 July 2004
\par }}