{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;}{\f180\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE;}
{\f181\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr;}{\f183\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek;}{\f184\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur;}{\f185\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew);}
{\f186\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic);}{\f187\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic;}{\f188\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese);}}{\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green255\blue255;
\red0\green255\blue0;\red255\green0\blue255;\red255\green0\blue0;\red255\green255\blue0;\red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue128;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green128\blue0;\red128\green0\blue128;\red128\green0\blue0;\red128\green128\blue0;
\red128\green128\blue128;\red192\green192\blue192;}{\stylesheet{\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext0 \styrsid13636400 Normal;}{\*\cs10 \additive 
\ssemihidden Default Paragraph Font;}{\*\ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\trcbpat1\trcfpat1\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv 
\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \snext11 \ssemihidden Normal Table;}{\s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar
\tqc\tx4680\tqr\tx9360\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext15 \slink16 \styrsid13636400 footer;}{\*\cs16 \additive \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\langnp1033\langfenp1033 
\sbasedon10 \slink15 \slocked \styrsid13636400  Char Char;}{\s17\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext17 \styrsid13636400 List Paragraph;}}
{\*\latentstyles\lsdstimax156\lsdlockeddef0}{\*\listtable{\list\listtemplateid-1023612306\listhybrid{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid923169580
\'03(\'00);}{\levelnumbers\'02;}\fbias0 \fi-720\li1872\lin1872 }{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698713\'02\'01.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}
\fi-360\li2232\lin2232 }{\listlevel\levelnfc2\levelnfcn2\leveljc2\leveljcn2\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698715\'02\'02.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-180\li2952\lin2952 }{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0
\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698703\'02\'03.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-360\li3672\lin3672 }{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0
\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698713\'02\'04.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-360\li4392\lin4392 }{\listlevel\levelnfc2\levelnfcn2\leveljc2\leveljcn2\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698715
\'02\'05.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-180\li5112\lin5112 }{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698703\'02\'06.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-360\li5832\lin5832 }
{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698713\'02\'07.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-360\li6552\lin6552 }{\listlevel\levelnfc2\levelnfcn2\leveljc2\leveljcn2
\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698715\'02\'08.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-180\li7272\lin7272 }{\listname ;}\listid802504363}}{\*\listoverridetable{\listoverride\listid802504363\listoverridecount0\ls1}}
{\*\rsidtbl \rsid811014\rsid862776\rsid1598413\rsid1972231\rsid2193419\rsid2309175\rsid2371452\rsid2504626\rsid2506087\rsid3176464\rsid3422714\rsid3810279\rsid3822112\rsid3831056\rsid4160285\rsid4329331\rsid4331392\rsid4744076\rsid4815830\rsid4855016
\rsid4931203\rsid5052173\rsid5062183\rsid5123780\rsid5592493\rsid5643559\rsid6060947\rsid6160848\rsid6514138\rsid6782860\rsid6953338\rsid7366506\rsid7483118\rsid7958375\rsid8016262\rsid8083724\rsid8270074\rsid8524331\rsid8598875\rsid8790013\rsid8866877
\rsid9189166\rsid9452663\rsid9455426\rsid9776131\rsid10712439\rsid10749241\rsid11014019\rsid11292607\rsid11355540\rsid11404427\rsid11880640\rsid11928628\rsid12063525\rsid12081942\rsid12211158\rsid12921552\rsid12931985\rsid12983114\rsid13198352
\rsid13636400\rsid14055906\rsid14105686\rsid14108652\rsid14496123\rsid14510136\rsid14695321\rsid14967201\rsid15032169\rsid15159555\rsid15297671\rsid15405516\rsid15541791\rsid15560408\rsid15864576\rsid15945946\rsid16592213\rsid16597937\rsid16671932}
{\*\generator Microsoft Word 11.0.5604;}{\info{\title \'93this is a quote, has said, of me saying \'91this is a quote\'92\'94}{\author ruddley_e}{\operator ruddley_e}{\creatim\yr2010\mo12\dy15\hr8\min49}{\revtim\yr2010\mo12\dy15\hr8\min54}{\version1}
{\edmins4}{\nofpages7}{\nofwords2409}{\nofchars13736}{\*\company scims}{\nofcharsws16113}{\vern24689}}\margl1440\margr1440\margb630 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\formshade\horzdoc\dgmargin\dghspace180
\dgvspace180\dghorigin1440\dgvorigin1440\dghshow1\dgvshow1
\jexpand\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\splytwnine\ftnlytwnine\htmautsp\nolnhtadjtbl\useltbaln\alntblind\lytcalctblwd\lyttblrtgr\lnbrkrule\nobrkwrptbl\snaptogridincell\allowfieldendsel\wrppunct
\asianbrkrule\rsidroot13636400\newtblstyruls\nogrowautofit \fet0\sectd \linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid1383286\sftnbj {\footer \pard\plain \s15\qr \li0\ri0\widctlpar
\tqc\tx4680\tqr\tx9360\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\field{\*\fldinst {\insrsid12790522  PAGE   \\* MERGEFORMAT }}{\fldrslt {\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid13636400 7}}}{
\insrsid12790522 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4680\tqr\tx9360\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid12790522 
\par }}{\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}}
{\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8
\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT SUVA
\par CIVIL JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 CIVIL ACTION NO. HBJ 4 OF 2009
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 THE STATE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 V
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 NATIVE LANDS APPEALS TRIBUNAL
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 First Respondent
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 CHAIRMAN NATIVE LANDS COMMISSION
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 Second Respondent
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 Third Respondent
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 EPARAMA TURAGANIVALU
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 Fourth Respondent
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 EX-PARTE:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 AKUILA RAIBEVU
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 Applicant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 Mr S Karavaki for Applicant
\par Ms S Levaci for First and Third Respondents
\par Mr S Valenitabua for Fourth Respondent
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 DECISION}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par On 6 February 2009 the Applicant filed an application for leave to apply for judicial review of the decision dated 6 November 2009 of the First Respondent The Native Lands Appeals Tribunal (the Tribunal).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  
}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 The year is incorrectly stated and it is apparent that the date of the decision was 6 November 2008.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par The decision in question was that of the First Respondent wherein the Tribunal quashed the decision dated 6 June 2005 of the Chairman of the Native Lands Commission (the Commission).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 The Commission had decided that the title of Turaga ni Mataqali Nawavatu of the Yavusa Matanikorovatu, Naitasiri was 
to be transferred to Tokatoka Vunibuco with the Raibevu family after the death of Jone Tubuto.
\par 
\par The grounds of the challenge were (a) that the First Respondent (the Tribunal) 
had acted ultra vires and in excess of its jurisdiction, (b) that the First Respondent took into account irrelevant considerations and failed to take into account relevant considerations, (c) that the First Respondent concluded its hearing w
ith insufficient evidence and (d) that the First Respondent was biased against the Raibevu family and had pre-determined the outcome of the appeal.
\par 
\par There was no challenge in respect of any decision taken by the Second or Third Respondents and no relief was sought against them.
\par 
\par A Notice of Opposition was filed on 4 March 2009 by the Office of the Attorney-General on behalf of all three Respondents.
\par 
\par On 10 July 2009 a consent order was made to the effect that Eparama Turaganivalu be added as a Respondent.
\par 
\par On 12 August 2009 I granted leave to the Applicant to apply for Judicial Review.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 The order was sealed on 2 September 2009.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 I handed down a written decision giving reasons for granting leave on 16 September 2009.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  
}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 The question of the Court}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 '}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 s jurisdiction 
to hear the application for leave was not raised by Counsel.
\par 
\par The application for judicial review was by way of motion filed on 4 September 2009 and was listed for mention before me on 2nd October 2009.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 On that day directions were given for the filing of further affidavit material by all the parties.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 The parties subsequently requested additional time for filing their affidavits.
\par The application for Judicial Review was listed for hearing on 23 March 2010.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 On that day a preliminary issue was raised by the 
Court concerning an amendment to the Native Lands Act Cap 133.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
I directed that the parties present oral submissions on this issue, initially on 20 April 2010.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
At the request of the parties the submissions were presented on 23 June 2010.
\par 
\par Pursuant to the Native Lands (Amendment) (Appeals Tribunal) Act 1998, section 7 of the principal Act (the Native Lands Act Cap 133) was amended, inter alia, by adding the following subsection:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 "}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 (5)}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 Decisions of the Appeals Tribunal are to be final and conclusive and cannot be challenged in a Court of law.}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 "}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par Prior to the amendment coming into effect, the position had been covered by section 100 (4) of the 1990 Constitution which provided:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 "}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
For the purposes of the Constitution the opinion or decisions of the Native Lands Commission on
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (a)\tab}}\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid13636400 {
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 Matters relating to and covering Fijian customs, traditions and usages or the existence, extent, or application of customary laws; and
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (b)\tab}}\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid13636400 {
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 Disputes as to the headship of any division or subdivision of the Fijian people having the customary right to occupy and use any native lands,
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13636400 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 s
hall be final and conclusive and shall not be challenged in a Court of law.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 "}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par Upon the commencement of the 1997 Constitution on 25 July 1998, with limited exceptions, the 1990 Constitution was repealed, including section 100 (4).
\par 
\par However, the effect of the 1998 amendments to the Native Lands Act is that section 100 (4) of the 1990 Constitution and the amended section 7 of the Native Lands Act are in similar terms.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 The same purpose has been achieved not by a provision in the 1997 Constitution but by an amendment to the Native Lands Act (the Act).
\par 
\par The one difference between the two provisions is that section 100 (4) protected decisions of the Native Lands Commission whereas section 7 (5) is concerned with decisions of the Appeals Tribunal.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 This was probably as a result of the limited jurisdiction of the Tribunal prior to other amendments to section 7 in 1998.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 Before the amendments to section 7, the right of appeal to the Tribunal was limited to decisions of the Commis
sion made under section 6 and decisions of a Commissioner made under section 16 of the Act.
\par 
\par The purpose of section 100(4) of the 1990 Constitution was to protect decisions made by the Commission under section 17 of the Act.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 The 
right of appeal to the Tribunal that was introduced by the 1998 amendments replaced that protection.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
Consequently it was then the decisions of the Tribunal that were afforded protection by section 7(5).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par 
\par The abrogation of the 1997 Constitution in April 2009 does not affect the ouster or privative provision in section 7.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
By virtue of section 2 of the Fiji Existing Laws Decree 2009, the position remains to be determined by reference to section 7 of the Act.
\par 
\par In }{\b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 Nava \endash v- Native Lands Commission and Another}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400  (1994) 40 FLR 252 the Fij
i Court of Appeal considered the effect of section 100 (4) in relation to an application for leave to apply for judicial review against a decision of the Native Lands Commission (the Commission).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 The grounds for challenging that decision included the clai
m that the Commission went outside the customs and traditions of the chiefly Tokatoka in making the appointment of Taukei Vidilo in an acting capacity.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 This ground was in effect seeking to challenge the decision on its merits.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 As the Court of Appeal noted at page 258:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 "}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
In the present case, what the appellant sought to do in the High Court was to question or challenge the decision of the Commission on the content or the extent of the Fijian customs and their application to the chiefly position in this particular case.}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
Section 100 (4) (a) and (b) of the Constitution clearly protects the decisions of the Commission in both respects and the High Court has no jurisdiction to review the decision.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 "}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par Of some interest is the reference by the Court of Appeal in its }{\b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 Nava}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400  decision (supra) to the earlier decision of }
{\b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 Bulou Eta Kacalaini Vosailagi \endash v- Native Lands Commission and Others}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
 (unreported Civil Action No. 19 of 1998 delivered 22 June 1989 per Tuivaga CJ).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 That was an application for Judicial Review under Ord
er 53 of the High Court Rules challenging a decision of the Commission made under section 17 of the Act.
\par 
\par At that time there was no right of appeal under section 7 in respect of decisions made by the Commission under section 17 of the Act.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
That right of appeal to the Appeals Tribunal only came into effect as result of the 1998 amendments to the Act.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
A challenge under Order 53 was the only course of action available to a party aggrieved by a decision of the Commission made under section 17.
\par 
\par The other point to recall is that the decision was handed down prior to the introduction of section 100 (4) of the 1990 Constitution.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
There was therefore no ouster or privative clause in relation to decisions made by the Commission under section 17 of the Act.
\par 
\par The decision is of interest for two reasons.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
First, one of the grounds relied upon for the challenge was that the decision of the Commission was invalid on the basis that there was a real likelihood of bias on the part of the Commission.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 Tuivaga CJ set aside the decision on the grounds of bias.
\par 
\par In its observations the Court of Appeal in the }{\b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 Nava}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
 decision (supra) did not appear to take issue with that conclusion and in the absence of a privative or ouster clause there was no reason for it to do so.
\par 
\par Secondly, and perhaps significantly, the Court of Appeal quoted at page 259 with approval the following reference to matters of custom made by the Chief Justice during the course of his judgment:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 "}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 \'85
 this Court has no jurisdiction to decide the merits of the Ka Levu dispute.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 The Court has no function in that regard.}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 The Court}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 '}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 s function is to ensure that the process by which the Commission arrived at its decision in the inquiry under section 17 (1) of the Act was done in accordance with the law.}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 In other words, it i
s the decision-making process of the Commission as a statutory tribunal which is under review by this Court and not the merits of the decision itself.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 "}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par These comments reflect the accepted function of the Court in an application for judicial review under Order 53.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
The Court of Appeal then pointedly noted at page 259 that:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 "}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
The position is now put beyond doubt by section 100 (4) of the [1990] Constitution.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 "}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par In my view the Court of Appeal}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 '}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 s comments support the conclusion that section 100 (4) of the 1990 Constitution represented a codification 
of the principle that already existed at common law.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
In other words, under section 100 (4), as under the common law, in an application for judicial review, }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
whether the Commission came to the right or wrong decision according to Fijian custom and tradition is not for this Court to say}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
 (per Tuivaga CJ supra).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
However section 100 (4) would not prevent a Court in an application under Order 53, from examining whether a decision had been made in accordance with the law,
 i.e., did it have the jurisdiction and did it follow the rules of natural justice (procedural fairness and the absence of bias).
\par 
\par The Court of Appeal had cause to revisit its }{\b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 Nava}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400  decision in }{
\b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 Ratu Jeremaia Natauniyalo \endash v- The Native Land Commission and Ratu Akuila Koroimata}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400  (1998) 44 F.L.R 280.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 At page 283 the Court of Appeal noted:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 "}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 In Nava}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 '}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
s case, this Court expressly left open the question whether the English policy approach as shown in the above quotations was appropriate to and applicable in Fiji.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 The applicant for judicial review in that case had sought to impugn the Commission}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 '}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 s decision on the merits.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
There was no claim of lack of process or breach of natural justice.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
Not surprisingly, this Court held that section 100 (4) meant what it said in relation to a decision of the Commission which had been reached by valid process.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 "}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par Then, so as to put the matter beyond doubt, the Court of Appeal at page 284 stated:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 "}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 \'85 we consider that the 
}{\b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 Anisminic}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400  principles are part of the law of Fiji.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 "}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par The Anisminic principles to which the Court referred were quoted in its judgment.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 Referring to the speech of Lord Wilberforce in }{
\b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 Anisminic Ltd \endash v- Foreign Compensation Commission and Another}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
 [1969] 1 A.C 147 at page 207 and 208 the Court of Appeal quoted the following extract at pages 282 \endash  283:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 "}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
The question, what is the tribunal}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 '}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
s proper area, is one which it has always been permissible to ask and to answer, and it must follow that examination of its extent is not precluded by a clause conferring conclusiveness, finality or unquestionability upon its decision.}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 These clauses in their nature can only relate to decisions given within the field of operation entrusted to the tribunal.}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 "}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 "}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
The Courts when they decide that a decision is a nullity are not disregarding the preclusive clause.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
For just as it is their duty to attribute autonomy of decision of action to the tribunal within the designated area, so, as the counterpart of this autonomy, they must ensure that the limits of that area which have been laid down are observed.}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 In each task they are carrying out the intention of the legislatur
e, and it would be a misdescription to state it in terms of a struggle between the Courts and the executive.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
What would be the purpose of defining by statute the limit of a tribunal}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 '}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 s process, if \'85 those limits could safely be passed.}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 "}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par In }{\b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 Joni Salueirogo Salala and Another \endash v- Viliame Bouwalu}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
 (unreported Civil Appeal No. 5 of 2006 delivered on 13 October 2008) the Supreme Court expressed the view at paragraph 26 that:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 "}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 While se
ction 100 (4) [of the 1990 Constitution] remained in force it protected the Commission}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 '}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 s decisions }{
\b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 within its jurisdiction}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400  (emphasis added).
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par In my view it follows from these authorities that section 100 (4) could not protect a decision made by the Commission under section 17 if it had acted beyond its jurisdiction.
\par 
\par In }{\b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 Ratu Akuila Kubose \endash v- The State, the Appeals Tribunal and the Attorney-General of Fiji}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
 (unreported Civil Appeal No. 10 of 2006 delivered on 29 October 2008) the Court of Appeal, Fiji Island stated at page 6 that:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 "}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
The Courts have held that the effect of [section 7 (5) of the Act] is that decisions of the Tribunal are unimpeachable provided that they are valid decisions, reached in accordance with the principles of natural justice.}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 "}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par In that case the Court of Appeal was satisfied that the material placed before the judge at first instance showed that the Appellant had been denied natural justice in the form of procedural fairness.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 It reversed the decision and not only granted leave but also granted the application for judicial review.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 The Tribunal was directed to rehear the Appellant}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 '}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 s appeal in con
formity with its reasons and differently constituted.
\par This line of reasoning has also been applied by the Supreme Court to privative or ouster clauses that appear in other legislation.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
For example, section 73 (7) of the 1997 Constitution provided that a determination by the High Court in proceedings before it as the Court of Disputed Returns is final.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 In }{\b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 Prem Singh \endash v- Krishna Prasad and Others}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400  (unreported Civil Appeal No. 1 of 2002 delivered on 29 August 2002 the Supreme Court stated at page 24 that:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 "}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
But Parliament, following other precedent, has chosen to commit conclusively the task of interpreting the relevant legislation to the High Court in the exercise of this special jurisdiction.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400  }{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 There was here no conduct of the kind that would fall within Lord Scarman}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 '}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 s proviso, nor, accepting the explicit constitutional and statutory limits in the Court}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 '}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 s jurisdiction and process, did Gates J in his interpretation of section 116 exceed his powers with the consequence that the privative clause could not apply.}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 "}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par From these authorities it is clear that, even when faced with a privative clause, however worded, the court retains its supervisory jurisdiction when it is claimed that 
the decision-maker has exceeded his powers or jurisdiction and when there has been a denial of natural justice in the form of a lack of procedural fairness or when bias is alleged.
\par 
\par In reaching this conclusion I refer, with respect, to the comments made by Byrne J in }{\b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 The State v. The Native Lands Commission and Others ex parte Ratu Akuila Koroimata}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400  (1997) 43 F.L.R 102 at page 105:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 "}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
I cannot bring myself to believe that the Court (in Nava}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 '}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 s case, supra) intended to say that even
 where a decision of the Commission was tainted by the most obvious bias or failure to accord the parties a fair hearing such a decision was not reviewable by the superior courts of this country.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400 "}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par I am of the view that the same comments apply when the challenge relies on an excess of jurisdiction and/or bias.
\par 
\par I can think of no reason why the views expressed by the courts in relation to section 100 (4) of the 1990 Constitution in relation to decisions of the Commission should not apply with equal force to
 section 7 (5) of the Act in relation to decisions of the Appeals Tribunal.
\par 
\par For those reasons I have concluded the Court retains its jurisdiction to determine the application for judicial review in respect of the challenges claiming (a) that the First Res
pondent acted ultra vires and in excess of its jurisdiction, (b) that the First Respondent concluded its hearing with insufficient evidence to the extent that t
his ground is concerned only with procedural fairness and (c) that the First Respondent was biased and pre-determined the appeal.
\par 
\par I order that the costs of these proceedings be costs in the cause.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 W D Calanchini
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 JUDGE}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13636400 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13636400\charrsid13636400 28 July 2010
\par At Suva}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1972231\charrsid13636400 
\par }}