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\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid7882357 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11616060 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid7882357 AT SUVA
\par APPELLATE JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9253361 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11616060 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid11616060 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO: HAA}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7882357 0}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid11616060 018 OF 2004S
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11616060 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 THE STATE
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid11616060 Appellant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9253361 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11616060 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid11616060 And:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3042209\charrsid11616060 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9253361 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3042209 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11616060 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 RAM NAIDU
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid11616060 Respondent
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9253361 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid15270048 Mr. P. Bulamainaivalu}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361  for State
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid15270048 Mr. D. Sharma}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361  for Respondent
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11616060 Hearing: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 26th March 2004
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11616060 Judgment: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 2nd April 2004
\par 
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\par The Respondent was charged with the following offence:
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7882357 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid7882357 Statement of Offence
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9253361 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7882357 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid15270048 ASSAULT OCCASIONING ACTUAL BODILY HARM}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 : Contrary to Section 245 of the Penal Code, Cap 17.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9253361 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7882357 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid7882357 Particulars of Offence
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\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7882357 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 
PC 1815 RAM NAIDU s/o Er Naidu and another on the 15th day of March 2001, at Samabula, in the Central Division, assaulted Kamal Lata Ram d/o Jai Mangal, thereby occasioning her actual bodily harm.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9253361 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 
\par He was acquitted on the 29th of December 2003 on the ground that the prosecution was }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9380628 not ready to proceed to trial. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 
The State now a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9380628 ppeals against that acquittal. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 The grounds of appeal are:
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s18\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7882357 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 \'93(a)}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15270048  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 That the Prosecutor had shown good cause for seeking adjournment.
\par }\pard \s18\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7882357 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7882357 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15270048 (b) }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 That the learned Magistrate erred in law and in fact when he failed to exercise his discretion to adjourn judicially, refusing an application by the State for an adjournment.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7882357 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7882357 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15270048 (c) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 
That the learned Magistrate erred in law and in fact when he acquitted the Respondent under section 201 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7882357 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7882357 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15270048 (d) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 
That the learned Magistrate erred in law and in fact when he failed to take into consideration that the present case could not have proceeded when the State had not being given reasonable opportunity to file and serve witness summons and m
ake an application for the production order.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7882357 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7882357 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15270048 (e) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 
That delay in this trial was due to irregular and unexplained re-assignment of the file between a number of Magistrates in respect of which the State was denied any reasonable opportunity to comment.\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9253361 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 
\par According to the court record, the charge was first read to the Respondent on the 28th of July 2003}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9380628  before Ms Kaimacuata. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 
She adjourned the matter for full disclosure, \'93first phase\'94 disclosure, having been served and for the 22nd of October 2003 as a tentative hearing date.
\par 
\par On the 6th of August, the police prosecutor told the court that the file had been forwarded to the DPP\rquote s Office, and on the 22nd of October, the date now set for hearing, defence counsel said he had not received a copy of the station diary 
which he had requested of the p}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9380628 rosecution. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 The case was adjourne}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9380628 
d to the 27th of October 2003. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 Four prosecution witnesses were present.
\par 
\par On the 27th of October 2003, a date set for mention only, counsel asked to have the matter called in the Chief Magistrate\rquote s Court for an application to be made.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7882357  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 Before the Chief Magistrate, Mr. A. Singh for the Respondent said he wanted an early hearing date because the Respondent was a police officer and his family was suffer}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9380628 ing as a result of the charge. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 
The Chief Magistrate arranged to call the matter on the 29th of October and on that day transferred the case to Mr. Sauvakacolo.
\par 
\par On the 3rd of November 2003, the record simply reads:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7882357 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 \'93For Prosecution: Ms Chandra present.
\par Accused: Present}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7882357 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15270048\charrsid9253361 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7882357 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid15270048 Court}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid15270048 :}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361  13.11.2002 mention only \endash  Settlement.\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7882357 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 
\par However when defence counsel appeared later, this date was changed to the 11th of December 2003 for hearing.
\par 
\par On the 10th of December, the case was called,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9380628  and the hearing date vacated. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 
A new hearing date was given, the 29th of December 2003}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9380628 . }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 The Respondent was r}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9380628 epresented by Mr. Singh. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 The prosecution was represented by ASP Armogam.
\par 
\par On the 29th of December 2003, Ms Chandra}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9380628  appeared for the prosecution. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 Mr. Sin}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9380628 gh appeared for the Respondent.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361  Ms Chandra said:
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s18\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7882357 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 \'93I seek Court
\rquote s indulgence in summoning our witnes}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9380628 ses. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 The hearin}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11024142 g date was set in our absence. 
}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 We ma}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9380628 nage to summon some witnesses. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 Our complainant is not here.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7882357  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 We seek an adjournment.\'94
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7882357 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 
\par Defence co}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9380628 unsel opposes the adjournment. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 He said that one hearing date had already been vacated because the DPP\rquote 
s Office was at a conference, the offence was alleged to have been committed on the 15th of June 2001, the Respondent was on half-salary while interdicted, his 2 witn}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9380628 esses were due to go overseas. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 The prosecutor asked for time to summon her witnesses, and said her witnesses present could not \'93make a prima facie case.\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9253361 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 
\par The learned Magistrate refused the application saying that he sympathised with the prosecution\rquote s \'93shortcoming\'94 but that he was not satisfied that she had shown good cause for the granting of}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9380628  the adjournment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361  He said that the complainant who was a prisoner, needed a production order to appear and that he
, the Magistrate had refused to sign the production order given to him at noon on the Friday before because there had been no application mad}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9380628 e for it, nor any order made. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 He also said that the prosecution had not issued fresh summons for the hearing, and that therefore good cause had not been shown.
\par 
\par Before the hearing of this appeal, the State sought leave to adduce further evidence of event}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9380628 s leading up to this ruling. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 
They filed the affidavit of Laleshni Chandra, State counsel dated 11th March 2004}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9380628 . }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 In th
at affidavit she said that the first hearing date of the 22nd of October 2003 was vacated because the learned Magistrate was too busy wit}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9380628 h other matters. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 She further states that the case was called before the Chief Magistrate to try to }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9380628 procure an early hearing date. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 This resulted in a f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15301016 ixture before Mr. Sauvakacolo. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 
On the 13th of November 2003, despite a long wait before Mr. Sauvakacolo, she was told that the matter had been placed before the Chief Magistrate who had then re-assigned }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9380628 the case to Mr. Katoni
vualiku. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 The matter was then listed before him.
\par 
\par This affidavit, which was not objected to by counsel for the Respondent, is silent as to the reasons for the failure of the prosecution to summon witnesses for the 29th of December.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7882357  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 Another affidavit, also sworn by Ms Chandra and filed in the Magistrates\rquote 
 Court on the 22nd of January 2004 (attached to the Petition of Appeal) states that Ms Chandra tried to have summons issued before the 29th of December but that they were returned unsig}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9380628 
ned by the Magistrates\rquote  Court. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 That affidavit is not the subject of the application to adduce further evidence and I disregard it.
\par 
\par The affidavit of Ms Chandra does suggest that on several occasions the case was assigned, then re-assigned to different magistrates and that the prosecution was not always infor}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9380628 
med of the status of the case. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 However, no explanation is offered for the lack of readiness of the State on the 29th of December 2003}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9380628 . }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 Certainly, although the hearing date was set in Ms Chandra\rquote 
s absence, the Divisional Prosecuting Officer was present and agreed to the 29th of December.
\par 
\par In their submissions at the hearing of this appeal counsel referred to several authorities on the judicial discretion to adjourn, in particular }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9380628 Robert Tweedie Macahill v. R}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361  Crim. App. No. 45 of 1980, }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9380628 State v. Preet Singh Verma}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361  Crim. App. 0039 of 2001, }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9380628 DPP v. Neumi Kalou & Anr}{
\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361  Crim. App. No. 6 of 1996 and }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9380628 
DPP v. Vikash Sharma}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361  (1994) 40 FLR 234.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7882357  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 
Counsel for the Respondent submitted that the learned Magistrate exercised his discretion after considering all relevant ma}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11024142 tters and that he did not err. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 State counsel submitted that the learned Magistrate failed to take into account the history of the case and the fact that the prosecution was not responsible for previous adjournments.

\par 
\par As a matter of law, an appellate court should not interfere with the exercise of a discretion to adjourn unless the appellant can show that the discretion had not been exercised judicially, or was based on a wrong principle and that the deci}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9380628 sion resulted in an injustice. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 (}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9380628 
Rajesh Chand & Shailesh Kumar v. The State}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9380628  Crim. App. AAU0056 of 1999S). }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 Thus in }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9380628 Raj Singh v. State}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 
 Crim. App. No. HAA0067 of 2001S, a decision to allow the prosecution to formally prove an offence without considering the number of adjournments sought by the prosecution, was held to be an error of law.
\par 
\par In }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9380628 State v. Samuela Suguturaga}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361  Crim
. App. HAA0001 of 2002S a decision to acquit an accused person when the prosecution had not summoned all their witnesses was upheld, on the ground that the magistrate had correctly made his decision on the ground of the prejudice to the accused.
\par 
\par In this case the learned Magistrate correctly reminded himself on the law relevant to the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6958169 consideration of adjournments. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 
He checked the court record and saw that one adjournment out of three had been sought by the prosecution on the ground that the prosecu}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6958169 tor was attending a conference.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361  No reason was given to him for the non-issuing of summons, and the production order was given to the court for }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6958169 
signing, at the eleventh hour. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 In the circumstances I cannot agree with State counsel that the learned Magistrate}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6958169  erred in
 law or in principle. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 It is unfortunate that he did not call upon the prosecution to commence calling its available witnesses, which he ought to have done (Pain J in }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid6958169 Vikash Sharma}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361  (supra) ) but the court record suggests that the prosecutor did not ask to proc}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6958169 eed with the case in any event.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361  Nor did she ask to withdraw the charge.
\par 
\par In the circumstances I consider that the learned Magistrate did not err in law or in principle in refusing the adjournment. This appeal is dismissed.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7882357 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid6958169 Nazhat Shameem
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid7882357 JUDGE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9253361 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid9253361 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10225789\charrsid7882357 At Suva
\par 2nd April 2004
\par }}