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{\title IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{\author Information Technology Unit}{\operator blake_r}{\creatim\yr2005\mo12\dy2\hr18\min32}{\revtim\yr2005\mo12\dy2\hr18\min44}{\version4}{\edmins2}{\nofpages5}{\nofwords1667}{\nofchars9502}
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\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid7692851 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT SUVA
\par APPELLATE JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7692851 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7692851 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO: HAA0056 OF 2003S
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7692851 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7692851 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 Between:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7692851 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7692851 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid7692851 ABHAY SINGH
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 Appellant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7692851 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7692851 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid7692851 STATE
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 Respondent
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16076017 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
\par Counsel:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 Mr. M. Raza for Appellant
\par Mr. P. Bulamainaivalu for State
\par 
\par Hearing:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 13th February 2004
\par Judgment:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 23rd February 2004
\par 
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\par The Appellant is charged with the following offences:
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 FIRST COUNT
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1574790 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 Statement of Offence
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16076017 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1574790 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 ATTEMPTING TO PERVERT THE COURSE OF JUSTICE}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 : Contrary to Section 131 of the Penal Code Cap 17.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16076017 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1574790 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid1574790 Particulars of Offence
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\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1574790 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
ABHAY SINGH s/o Ranjeet Singh on or about the first week of June 2003 at Valelevu in the Southern Division attempted to pervert or defeat the course of justice by attempting to cause or induce a witness to give false testimony in a pending criminal cause.

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\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 SECOND COUNT
\par 
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\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574790  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 Contrary to Section 131 of the Penal Code Cap 17.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16076017 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1574790 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid1574790 Particulars of Offence
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16076017 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1574790 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
ABHAY SINGH s/o Ranjeet Singh on or about the third week of July 2003 at Valelevu in the Southern Division attempted to pervert or defeat the course of justice by attempting to cause or induce a witness to give false testimony in a pending criminal cause.

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\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 THIRD COUNT
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1574790 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 Statement of Offence
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\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 : Contrary to Section 131 of the Penal Code Cap 17.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16076017 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1574790 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid1574790 Particulars of Offence
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16076017 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1574790 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
ABHAY SINGH s/o Ranjeet Singh on 23rd of June 2003 at Valelevu in the Southern Division attempted to pervert or defeat the course of justice by attempting to cause or induce a witness to give false testimony in a pending criminal cause.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16076017 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
\par The charges were filed in the Suva Magistrates\rquote  Court on 25th July 2003 and the case was called on the same day.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574790  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
Pleas were taken, and the Appellant pleaded not guilty on all counts.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574790  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 The case wa
s then adjourned to the 1st of August 2003 for disclosure.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574790  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
On that day the case was adjourned further to 15th August and then to 18th August 2003.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574790  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
Another mention date was set as the prosecution wanted to take a further statement from a witness.
\par 
\par On the 29th of August there were some discussions about the release of the Appellant\rquote s passport and the case was adjourned further to the 31st of October and then to the 31st of November 2003.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574790  }
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 On that day, the prosecution asked for the matter to be tried in the High Court under section 220 of the Criminal Procedure Code.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574790  
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 Counsel for the defence asked for reasons for the prosecution\rquote s application.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574790  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 The prosecutor said that he was not obliged to give reasons.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574790  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 Defence counsel then said \endash  \'93We do not dispute the powers contained in section 220 of the Criminal Procedure Code.\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574790  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 The learned Magistrate then ordered a transfer to the High Court and adjourned the matter for mention in the High Court.
\par 
\par The Appellant now appeals against the order for transfer.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574790  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 The grounds of appeal are:
\par 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\s16 \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (a)\tab}}\pard\plain \s16\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1574790 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
That the learned trial Magistrate erred in law when he transferred the matter to the High Court as the present matter does not fall under the amended Criminal Procedure Code Cap 21.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16076017 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (b)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1574790 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 That the learned trial Magistrate should ha
ve used his discretion to continue hearing the matter as the matter had commenced on 25th July 2003 when the plea of the petitioner was taken.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16076017 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (c)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1574790 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
That the Appellant status quo should continue until the hearing and determination of this appeal by the Honourable Court.
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16076017 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
\par The real ground of appeal is that the Magistrate erred in law in ordering the transfer, as the case did not fall under section 220 as amended by the Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Act No. 13/2003.
\par 
\par Counsel have both made written submissions in this case.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574790  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
The Appellant submits that the amendment to the CPC did not apply to cases where the charges were filed before the 13th of Oct
ober 2003, that the original form of section 220 therefore applied which required the prosecutor to make the application before the commencement of the trial, that the trial commenced when the plea was taken and that therefore the learned Magistrate erred
 in ordering the transfer.
\par 
\par Counsel for the State submitted that the Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Act applied to all cases after the 13th of October except for those electable offences in respect of which charges were filed before the 13th of October
, that the new Amendment Act specifically allowed the application to be made before the calling of evidence, that even if this were not so, it had already been decided by this Court that the trial commenced when the prosecution opened its case and not on 
plea, and that therefore the learned Magistrate did not err.
\par 
\par I must make an initial observation, that my decision in this case will have an impact only on this Appellant and on the small numbers of accused persons whose charges were laid before the 16th of
 October 2003 and whose charges were for non-electable offences.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574790  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
As more time passes, this decision will obviously become even more academic.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574790  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
However I accept that the result of this appeal has some significance for this Appellant.
\par 
\par The Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Act No. 13/2003 abolished committal proceedings in the Magistrates\rquote  Court.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574790  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
The date that the Act came into effect was the 13th of October 2003.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574790  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
After that date, when a new charge was laid, an accused person who elected High Court trial, was (and is) simply subjected to a transfer order and told to appear on a particular day in the High Court.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574790  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 However, Parliament had of course to make arrangements for those accused persons whose charges had been laid before the 13th of October and who had requested High Court trial.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574790  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 For those accused persons section 15 provides:
\par 
\par }\pard \s17\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1574790 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 \'93
This Act does not apply to charges for electable offences pending in the magistrates\rquote  courts before the commencement of this Act except where the accused person consented to his or
 her case being transferred to the High Court under the new section 226.\'94
\par }\pard \s17\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16076017 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
\par Section 226 of the Code, provides:
\par 
\par }\pard \s17\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1574790 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 \'93
If an accused person has pleaded guilty and been convicted or pleaded not guilty an electable offence in respect of which the accused has elect
ed trial in the High Court or with an offence triable only in the High Court the magistrate, shall, forthwith, order the transfer of the charges or proceedings to the High court for sentencing or for trial.\'94
\par }\pard \s17\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16076017 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
\par Section 220 of the Criminal Procedure Code read, prior to the Amendment Act:
\par 
\par }\pard \s17\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1574790 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 \'93If before or during the course of a trial before a magistrates\rquote 
 court it appears to the magistrate that the case is one which ought to be tried by the Supreme Court or if before the commencement of the trial an application
 in that behalf is made by a public prosecutor that it shall be so tried, the magistrate shall not proceed with the trial but in lieu thereof he shall hold a preliminary inquiry in accordance with the provisions hereinafter contained, and in such case the
 provisions of section 235 shall not apply.\'94
\par }\pard \s17\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16076017 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
\par Section 220 is now amended by section 7 of the Amendment act No. 13 of 2003.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574790  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 It now reads:
\par 
\par }\pard \s17\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1574790 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 \'93If before or during the course of a trial before a magistrates\rquote 
 court it appears to the magistrate that the case is one which ought to be tried by the Supreme Court or if before the calling of evidence at the trial an application in that behalf is made by a public prosecutor that it shall be so tried, the magistrate 
shall not proceed with the trial but shall transfer the case to the High Court under Part VII.\'94
\par }\pard \s17\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16076017 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
\par The question for determination in this appeal is \endash  does section 220 as amended, apply to the Appellant?
\par 
\par There are three categories of cases which may be transferred to the High Court, and each category is separately provided for under the amended Code.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574790  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 The first is those cases where the accused has a right to choose which court should try him. Those cases are those where the offences are specified in the Elec
table Offences Decree. The second category is of those cases where the offences are triable only in the High Court (for instance murder and manslaughter).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574790  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 The third category of cases are those where the State has elected High Court trial under section 220.
\par 
\par In respect of the first category, the accused person is entitled to committal proceedings, if he wishes, if his charges were laid before the 13th of October.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574790  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 In respect of the 2nd category, irrespective of when the charges were laid, the accused has n
o right to committal proceedings and the magistrate must simply make a transfer order after the 13th of October 2003.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574790  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
In respect of the 3rd category, the prosecutor may make the application at any time before the calling of evidence but after the 13th of October and irrespective of when the charges were laid.
\par 
\par Section 15 of the Amendment Act provides in very clear terms and without any ambiguity that the option to request the old procedures applies only to accused persons charged with electable offences before the 13th of October 2003.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574790  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 There is no dispute at all that the Appellant is not charged with electable offences.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574790  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 The section does not apply to non-electable offences such as murder, or to cases subject to a section 220 application.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574790  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 Thus, even where
 a charge is laid before the 13th of October, 2003, a Magistrate who considers that the case is more suited for High Court trial, may order transfer under the new section 226 as long as the offence was non-electable.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574790  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 It follows that in this case, the pros
ecutor could make the application for the new-style transfer because he made it after the 13th of October 2003, and the offences are non-electable.
\par 
\par Defence counsel submitted that the Chief Justice\rquote s Practice Direction No. 1 of 2003 suggests otherwise.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574790  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 T
hat Practice Direction sets down administrative guidelines for magistrates in the transfer of cases under the (Amendment) Act.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574790  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
It provides for new disclosure deadlines, and for transfer for dates within a 14 day period (it appears in order to comply with the provisions of the Bail Act 2003).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574790  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 Paragraph 6 states:
\par 
\par }\pard \s17\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1574790 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 \'93
The Amendment Act applies only to criminal charges filed after the 13th of October 2003.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574790  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
Those accused persons whose charges were filed prior to that date are still entitled to the old Preliminary Inquiry procedures.\'94
\par }\pard \s17\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16076017 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
\par Counsel for the Appellant suggests that this means that section 15 of the Amendment Act applies to all accused persons, whether charged with electable offences or not.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574790  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 With respect, I cannot agree.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574790  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 A Practice Direction cannot am
end legislation.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574790  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 Section 15 clearly applies only to accused persons charged with electable offences.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574790  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
Paragraph 6 of the Practice Direction must therefore be assumed to apply to those accused persons specified in section 15 of the Amendment Act.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574790  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 It does not apply to the Appellant.
\par 
\par Having determined this point of law, the question of when a trial commences is of academic interest only.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574790  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
The evidence had not been led, and under the new section 220 the prosecutor was entitled to request transfer.
\par 
\par Suffice it to say that the submissions of counsel would not have persuaded me to depart from the decision I made in respect of the old section 220 in }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 Rajnesh Rajeshwar Prasad \endash 
v- State}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017  Cr. App. HAA}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574790 0}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 031 of 2003S, based as it was on }{
\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 Ex Parte Guardian Newspapers}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017  (1999) 1 Cr. App. 284, }{
\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 Vickers}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017  (1975) Cr. App. R. 48, and }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
Tonner and Others}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017  (1985) 1 WLR 344.
\par 
\par This appeal is dismissed.
\par 
\par }\pard \s17\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1574790 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid1574790 Nazhat Shameem
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 JUDGE}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
\par }\pard \s17\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16076017 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16076017\charrsid16076017 
\par At Suva
\par 23rd February 2004
\par }}