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{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qr \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15733687 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705 [2000] 2 FLR 33
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15743705 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15733687 IN THE }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705 HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705\charrsid15743705 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15743705 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705\charrsid15743705 H. P. BULSARA
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid861710 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705 
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\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid861710 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15743705 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15733687 COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid15743705 & ATTORNEY-GENERAL
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid861710 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581046 High Court}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15733687  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705 Civil Jurisdiction
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 Shameem, J
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705 26 May, 2000
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12337189 HBC }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705 215}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12982030 /}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 00
\par 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid15743705 Protection against compulsory acquisition of property}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581046  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid15743705 
- Release of}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705\charrsid15743705  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid15743705 motor vehicle taken by police pursuant to a search warrant - whether vehicle bought}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705\charrsid15743705  with proceeds of crime and not }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid15743705 properly transferred - Whether a common law "interests of}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705\charrsid15743705  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid15743705 justice"}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7098440  }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid15743705 - Criminal Procedure Code ss68, 103, 106, 164; Proceeds of Crime Act 1997 s34; Constitution s40(}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1729766 I}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid15743705 ), 40(2}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581046 A}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid15743705 )
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705\charrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705 Pol}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 ice seized plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4160643 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 s car - Honda Accord CX 4}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15691173 39 - in the belief that it was}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 
 obtained by two stolen Merchants Bank cheques. The plaintiff f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15691173 i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 led a
n originating summons seeking injunction to release of the vehicle. The court found that just as the fundamental rights provisions in Constitution must be construed broadly and generously to give effect to full measure of individual}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4160643 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 s rights and freedoms, so must restrictions to those rights be strictly and narrowly construed}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 
... police may only deprive a person of property if there is a law allowing such deprivation and for reasons set out in Constitution s40(2). The co}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16601189 urt found fundamental breaches}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710  of the law and Constitution and ordered its immediate release.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705\charrsid861710 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705\charrsid15743705 H}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid15743705 eld}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 
 - (1) Police have no statutory and common law powers to continue to detain vehicle, thus confiscation of plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4160643 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705 
s vehicle was a nullity, police}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710  detention of the plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4160643 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 
s vehicle was unlawful in common law, was unconstitutional, a breach of the Constitution.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705\charrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 (2) The justification to continue detention}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16601189  was subject to reasonableness}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710  and once a view was ascertained that the vehicle was bought from proceeds of crime and no application was made under the Proceeds of Crime Act, the detention was not reasonable.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705\charrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 Order immediate release of plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4160643 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 
s vehicle from police custody.
\par 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705\charrsid14292152 Prem Narayan for plaintiff
\par K}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid14292152 ini }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705\charrsid14292152 K}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid14292152 e}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705\charrsid14292152 t}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid14292152 eca f}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid994964\charrsid14292152 o}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid14292152 r defendants
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705\charrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705 26 May 2000.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15743705 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid15743705 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid861710 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705\charrsid15743705 Shameem, J}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid15743705 .
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705\charrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 On 2}{\fs18\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid15743705 nd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 
 May 2000 the Plaintiff filed originating summons against the first and second Defendants seeking the release of the Plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4160643 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 
s vehicle CX 439, which is currently in the custody of the police}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16601189 , at the Central Police Station.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710  The Plaintiff}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 seeks an injunction restraining the Defendants from interfering further with the vehicle, and costs.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705\charrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 The circumstances of the seizure of the vehicle are not in dispute. They are}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 laid out in the affidavit of Umesh Chandra, sw}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705 orn on 6}{\fs18\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid15743705 th}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705  April 2000, and of Adi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710  Sen, Detective Inspector, sworn on 17}{\fs18\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid15743705 th}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710  May 2000.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705\charrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16601189 On 13}{\fs18\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid16601189\charrsid4160643 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16601189  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 December 1999, a police investigation commenced in relation to two stolen Merchants Bank cheques to the value of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4160643 $}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 45,000.00 and $35,000.00. The police believe that the cheques were used to obtain a Honda Accord car CX 439 (the Plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4160643 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 s car), for $25,000.00.
\par 
\par The vehicle was bought from Carpenter}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4160643 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 s Motors by one Shiu Raj. Shiu Raj then sold the car to the Plaintiff for $14,000 on}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16601189  8th December 1999, five days }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 after Shiu Raj had bought the car from Carpenter}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4160643 '}
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 s Motors.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705\charrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 The Plaintiff discovered that the car had not been formally transferred to Shiu Raj, and checked the position with Carpenter}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4160643 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 s Motors. Carpenter}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4160643 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 
s Motors informed the Plaintiff that the vehicle had been sold to Shiu Raj. The Plaintiff then became the registered owner of the vehicle. He intended to sell the vehicle through his car deale}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705 
r company "John}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4160643 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705 s Motor Mart."}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705\charrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 On 24th December 1999, the police obtained a search warrant to seize the vehicle. The vehicle has remained at Central Police Station since that date.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705\charrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 
No charges have been laid in respect of the stolen cheques, or the vehicle. The file has been sent to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, but no decision has been made on sufficiency of evidence. No application has been made b
y the DPP under the Proceeds of Crime Act 1997, for a restraining order in respect of the vehicle.
\par 
\par At the hearing of this application, counsel for the Plaintiff submitted that the police had no legal basis for the continued custody of the vehicle. She sai
d that no charges had been laid and that it was unreasonable for the police to continue to hold the vehicle. In response, counsel for the Defendants said that there may be evidence that the Plaintiff had reasonable cause to suspect that the vehicle he bou
ght was stolen. As such, a charge may be brought against the Plaintiff.
\par 
\par However, he conceded that he was unable to say with any certainty that the car was needed as an exhibit in the case. He said that the car was probably bought with proceeds of a crime and that i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705 
t was seized for that reason. H}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 e relied on the common law for continued detention of the vehicle pending a criminal prosecution.
\par 
\par It is not in dispute that the vehicle was lawfully seized by the police. A search warrant was issued under section 103 of the Criminal Procedure Code Cap. 21. That section provides:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705\charrsid861710 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15743705 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 
"Where it is proved on oath to a magistrate or justice of the peace that in fact or according to reasonable suspicion anything upon, by or in respect of which an offence has been committed or anything whic}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705 h is necessary to the conduct of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 
 an investigation into any offence is in any building, ship, vehicle, box, receptacle or place, the magistrate or justice of the peace may by warrant (called a search warrant) authorise a poli}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705 c}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11742293 e officer or other person there}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 
in named to search the building, ship, carriage, box, receptacle or place (which shall be named or described in the warrant) of any such thing which there is reasonable cause to suspect to have been stolen or unlawfully obtained}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 be found, to seize it and carry it before the court issuing the warrant or some other court to be dealt with according to law."}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid861710 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705\charrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 Section 106 of the Criminal Procedure Code provides:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705\charrsid861710 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15743705 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 "(1) When 
any such thing is seized and brought before a court, it may be detained until the conclusion of the case or the investigation, reasonable care being taken for its preservation.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid861710 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705\charrsid861710 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15743705 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581046 (2) I}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 
f any appeal is made, or if any person is committed for trial, the court may order it to be further detained for the purpose of the appeal or the trial.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid861710 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705\charrsid861710 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15743705 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 
(3) If no appeal is made, or if no person is committed for trial, the court shall direct such thing to be restored to the person from whom it was taken, unless the court sees fit or is authorised or required by law to dispose of it otherwise."}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid861710 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705\charrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 Section 164 of the Code allows the court "in any proceedings" to make orders for the interim custody of any property produced in evidence or as to which questions may arise in the procee
dings. Section 68 of the Code allows the police to make a report of any property seized whose ownership is in doubt, to the Magistrates Court for orders to be made for possession of such property.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710 

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705\charrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14354026 Fin}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 ally section 34 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 1997, prov
ides that where a person has been convicted of a serious offence (which includes Larceny and Receiving Stolen Property), the Director of Public Prosecutions has the power to}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 apply for a restraining order in respect of proceeds of crime. The DPP may also make such an application before a charge is laid. No such application has been made in this case. Section 40(
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464769 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 ) of the Constitution (1998) provides:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743705\charrsid861710 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5464769 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 
"Every person has the right not to be deprived of property by the State otherwise than in accordance with a law."}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid861710 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464769\charrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 A restraining order under the Proceeds of Crime Act 1997 is specifically provided for under the Constitution by virtue of section 40(2A) which provides that:}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464769\charrsid861710 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5464769 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 "Nothing contained in, or done under the authority of, a law is inconsistent with this }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14354026 section to the extent that the l}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 aw makes provision for the acquisition of property by way of:}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid861710 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464769\charrsid861710 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid5464769 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 (c) confiscation of the proceeds of crime;"}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710 

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid861710 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464769\charrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 The furtherance of a police investigation is not specified as a permitted limitation on the right expressed in section 40(1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464769 ).}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464769\charrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 It is clear from the facts of this case that the police have no statutory powers to continue to detain the vehicle in question. The quest}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464769 ion is whether the common law j}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 ustifies continued detention, and, if it does, the effect on the common law of s
ection 40 of the Constitution.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464769\charrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid11606978 
The common law principle behind police powers to search and seize, is that the police must have reasonable grounds for believing that the property seized is material as evidence to prove the suspected offence (}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid11606978 G}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464769\charrsid11606978 h}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid11606978 ani -v- Jones}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid11606978  (1970) 1 QB 693}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464769\charrsid11606978 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid11606978  }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid11606978 Reynolds -v- Metropolitan Police Commissioner}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid11606978  (1985) Q}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464769\charrsid11606978 B}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12203985  881}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid11606978 .
\par 
\par Continued detention of items seized lawfully (on reasonable grounds) is also subject to the general principle of reasonableness.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464769\charrsid11606978 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid11606978 In this case, I accept that the p
olice had reasonable grounds for seizing the vehicle. However, in my view, once it was ascertained that the reason for continued detention was that it had been bought from the proceeds of crime, the detention failed to satisfy the reasonableness test.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464769 In }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581046 G}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464769\charrsid5464769 hani -v- Jones}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464769  (supra)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710  at p.706, Lord Denning MR said:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464769\charrsid861710 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5464769 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 
"I take it to be settled law, without citing cases, that the officers are entitled to take any goods which they reasonably believe to be material evidence in relation to the crime for which he is arr
ested or for which they enter. If in the course of their search they come upon any other goods which sh}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15883811 ow him to be implicated in some}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710  other crime, they may take them provided they act reasonably and detain them no longer than is necessary."
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid861710 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 
\par In }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid5464769 Chic Fashions (West Wales) Ltd. -v- Jones}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710  (}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464769 
1968) 2 QB 299, p.316 Lord Dipl}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 ock MR said:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464769\charrsid861710 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5464769 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 
"I decline to accept that a police officer who is unquestionably justified at common law in arresting a person whom he has reasonable grounds to believe is guilty of receiving stolen goods, is not likewise justified in the less d}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464769 raconian act of seizing what he,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710  on reasonable grounds, believes to be the stolen good}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464769 s in that person}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4160643 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464769 s possession. T}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 he purpose of the seizure in such a case is twofold; first that the goods may be produced as material evidence upon the prosecution of a criminal charge against the 
person from whom they were seized; and secondly, that after the trial they may be restored to their rightful owner, and a similar justification exists for their detention so long as the detainer has reasonable grounds for believing that such a charge will
 lie and that the goods will be material evidence upon its prosecution."}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid861710 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464769\charrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 What are the "reasonable grounds" in this case? Adi Sen}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4160643 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 
s affidavit does not suggest that the Plaintiff received the car knowing it was stolen, or in circumstances which suggested the same. Indeed }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14354026 the evidence show}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 s that the Plaintiff made all proper inquiries about the circumstances of the sale of the vehicle to Shiu Raj.
\par 
\par As Lord Denning said in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid5464769 Ghani -v- Jones}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710  (supra) at page 704 one of the requisites for a reasonable seizure and de
tention of an article is that the police must have reasonable grounds to believe that the person in possession of it has himself committed the crime or is implicated in it, or that his refusal is unreasonable.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464769\charrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 The common law relating to the custody of sei
zed items, reflects the need to protect the freedom of the individual and the need to protect his possessions, with the public interest in bringing offenders t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464769 o j}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 ustice.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464769\charrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 On these principles alone, the police have failed to show that they acted reasonably in detaining the Plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15883811 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 s vehicle since December 1999, with no charges laid, and no application made under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
\par 
\par I also find that even if reasonable grounds had existed to detain the vehicle in the common law without a court order 
under section 106 of the Penal Code, the police would not be justified in holding the vehicle, because of the effect of section 40 of the Constitution.
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464769 The l}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 imitations on the right expressed in section 40, are specifically provided for in section 4}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464769 0}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 (2) of the Constitution. A restraining order under the Proceeds of Crime Act, would provide a justifiable limitation}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464769 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710  The common law principle of "interests of justice" does not.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464769\charrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 Just as the fundamental rights provisions in the Constitution must be construed broadly and generously to give effect to the full measure of the individual}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4160643 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 s rights and freedoms, so must restrictions to those rights be strictly and narrowly construed.
\par 
\par As the Constitutional Court of South Africa said in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid5464769 State -v- Zuma & others}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710  (1995) (4) B}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464769 LLR 401 at p.412 (per Kentridge}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15883811  J):}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464769\charrsid861710 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5464769 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 
"Constitutional rights conferred without express limitation should not be cut down by reading implicit restrictions into them, so as to bring them into line with the common law."}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid861710 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464769\charrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 Applying these principles,
 I am of the view that the police may only deprive a person of his or her property if there is a law allowing such deprivation and if that law is for one of the reasons set out in section 40(2) of the Constitution. No othe}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4867110 r}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710  limitation is possible.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464769\charrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 In this case the police are not acting under any law in detaining the Plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10709796 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 s vehicle. The procedure provided in the Proceeds of Crime Act 1997 for the confiscation of the proceeds of crime has not been utilised by the State.
\par 
\par In these circumstances the police detention of the Plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4160643 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 s vehicle is not only unlawful in the common law, it is unconstitution}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464769 al and a breach of section 40(1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 ) of the Constitution.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464769\charrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 I order its immediate release. The Defendants are to pay the Plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4160643 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid861710 s costs of this action which I set at $300.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464769\charrsid861710 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5464769\charrsid5464769 Plaintiff}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4160643 '}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid5464769 s originating summons allowed
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4867110 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4867110\charrsid15733687 
\par }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2969610 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid861710\charrsid2969610 Marie Chan
\par }}