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)}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7889658 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI \par AT LAUTOKA \par CRIMINAL JURISDICTION \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7889658 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7889658 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 CRIMINAL CASE NO. HAC (FICAC) 003 OF 2010 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7889658 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7889658 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 FIJI INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION (FICAC) \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7889658 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7889658 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658 V}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7889658 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7889658 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 1.\tab FURQAN AHMAD RIZVI \par 2.\tab JOSEVA SEROA UTOVOU \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7889658 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 Mr. V. Perera for the FICAC \par Ms M. Lord for the First Accused \par Mr. A. Naco for the Second Accused \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 \par Date of Hearing:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 \tab 17 November 2010 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 Date of Ruling:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 \tab 18 November 2010 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7889658 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658 RULING}{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7889658 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 \par Introduction \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 \par [1]\tab This is an application by Counsel for the second accused in this case that I recuse myself from hearing the case.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 The prosecution opposes the application. \par \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 Background \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 \par [2]\tab Between the 1st August 2008 and 14 July 2009 I was in the employ of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 FICAC}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 ) as a legal consultant.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 FICAC is the prosecuting authority in this case.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 Most of the duties I performed were in connection with cases being investigated and charged in Suva and Suva}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658 '}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 s environs, and occasionally I would visit the Lautoka office when dealing with minor cases in the Lautoka Magistrates}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658 '}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 Court.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 I had virtually nothing to do with cases being investigated in the Western Division, and if I did it was merely to check the wording of charges or appear on first call in the magistracy.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 As a result I had a far greater }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 presence}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 in Suva, and was far better acquainted with the personnel there than the personnel in Lautoka. \par \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 The Instant Case}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 \par \par [3]\tab This case is purported to have been committed on August 3, 2009, more than 3 weeks after I left FICAC and joined the judiciary.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 I therefore know nothing about the case, nor could I have possible been involved in its investigation or analysis given that it can only have been brought to the attention of FICAC after August 3rd. \par \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 The Application}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 \par \par [4]\tab Mr. Naco for the second accused firstly submits that the case came to FICAC when I was in their employ.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 I would therefore be biased in favour of FICAC.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 He submits quite correctly that the test of bias is the perception of the reasonably informed bystander and secondly he submits that the time of the offence is too close to my term of employment. \par \par [5]\tab The trial is set to commence on the 29th November, and the application made only on the 17th November.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 Mr. Naco has known since at least the 28th June that I would be the trial Judge. \par \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 The Law}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 \par \par [6]\tab As Mr. Naco very correctly submits, the test for a judge to disqualify himself is the perception of reasonable apprehension of bias.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 The test to be applied in Fiji is an objective one and was laid down in }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 Koya}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 [1998] FHSC 2, and }{ \b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 Ratu Jope Seniloli and Others}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 HAC 28 of 2003.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 The kind of person making this objective assessment is taken to be fair minded, informed and reasonable.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 In }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 AWG Group v Morrison}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 [2006] 1 All ER 967, (C.A), Lord \par \par Mummery recognizes that the decision to recuse is a discretionary one that would not b e interfered with by an appellate Court if the Judge had weighed in balance all of the relevant factors; one of the relevant factors being the consequences of withdrawal leading to delay in the trial and the cost to the parties. \par \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 Analysis}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 \par \par [7]\tab Mr. Naco}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658 '}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 s l ate application certainly raises the prospect of delay and cost in having the trial vacated for another Judge to take it up. \par \par [8]\tab The submission that I was employed by FICAC at the time that this case came before the Commission is erroneous and there can be no question of my being influenced by the investigation. \par \par [9]\tab The underlying thread of Mr. Naco}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658 '}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 s submission is that }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 once a FICAC man, always a FICAC man}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 which is absurd.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 It must be remembered, even by the well informed observer that a professional ju dge who has taken a judicial oath and who has experience in all types of cases is trained to }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 discard the irrelevant, the immaterial and the prejudicial}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 (}{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 Vakauta v Kelly}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 [1989] 67 CLR 568). \par \par [10]\tab Mr. Naco relies on the case of }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 AWG Group v Morrison}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 (supra) where it was shown that th e Judge had known a key witness well for over 30 years.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 There the Court of Appeal held that he should have recused himself because of a perception of bias in favour of the witness.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 Such a situation cannot be said to be analogous to the present situation.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 I have been away from FICAC for 16 months and have intenti onally avoided contact with the Commission to pre-empt applications such as the present. \par \par [11]\tab The judiciary in Fiji has at least 3 very senior Judges who at one time have worked for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and to say that they could never hear a case where the State is a party would be absurd. \par \par I repeat the dicta of Winter, J. in }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 Brian Singh and Another}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 HAM 65 of 2005 when he said: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7889658 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 I have bee n entrusted with this case by the ordinary procedures and practices of the court and it would encourage a procedural abuse for me to automatically disqualify myself merely because I have been requested by one party to do so on the grounds of a possible appearance of bias}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7889658 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 \par \tab And further \endash \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7889658 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 In my view no recusal application should prevail unless it is based on a substantial ground of apprehension of bias otherwise the system would disintegrate to a stage where for practical purposes individual parties co uld influence the composition of their bench and therefore call the administration of justice into disrepute}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 . \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7889658 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 \par [12]\tab In my opinion the application lacks merit and it is refused.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 The trial will commence before me, as listed, on November 29, 2010. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7889658 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 Paul K. Madigan \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 Judge}{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7889658 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7889658\charrsid7889658 At Lautoka \par 18 November 2010 \par }}