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{\title \'93this is a quote, has said, of me saying \'91this is a quote\'92\'94}{\author raikatalau_l}{\operator ruddley_e}{\creatim\yr2011\mo6\dy16\hr14\min38}{\revtim\yr2011\mo6\dy20\hr16\min47}{\version4}{\edmins6}{\nofpages11}{\nofwords4448}
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\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs18\fs16\insrsid10500829\charrsid933470 \tab }{\fs16\insrsid10500829\charrsid14567563 Kenneth Zinck v New Labour Unity Party & Ors.}{\fs16\insrsid10500829  (HC)}{
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\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 
\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 {\*\bkmkstart Kenneth_Zinck_v_NLUP_Rt_Meli_Vesikula_LT}KENNETH ZINCK v NEW LABOUR UNITY PARTY, RT MELI VESIKULA, TOMASI TOKALAUVERE & LORRAINE TULELE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 {\*\bkmkend Kenneth_Zinck_v_NLUP_Rt_Meli_Vesikula_LT}
\par }{\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\langnp3081\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 High Court Civil Jurisdiction
\par }{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 12, 18 December, 2001 \tab \tab \tab \tab \tab \tab HBC 424/01S
\par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 \fs24\lang3081\langfe3081\cgrid\langnp3081\langfenp3081 {\b\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 \f180\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i\f0\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 Constitutional law \endash 
 membership of House of Representatives \endash  political parties \endash  whether expulsion or purported expulsion of member of political party membership has any effect on being a member of the House of Representatives \endash  party discipline 
\endash  purported expulsion from party by party president \endash  constitutional powers of party  - whether unlawful, null and void \endash  whether party had powers and authority \endash  1997 Constitution s71(1)(h)(ii); 1990 Constitution s43
\par 
\par Originating summons procedure \endash  whether originating notice of motion procedure required - no serious dispute of facts - whether procedure prejudicial to other party - High Court Rules O.2 r.1(3)
\par }{\f0\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 \fs24\lang3081\langfe3081\cgrid\langnp3081\langfenp3081 {\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
The Plaintiff was duly elected to the House of Representatives for the City General Communal Constituency under D1\rquote s party. He altered an approved Memorandum of Understanding with the SDL
 coalition government and accepted a cabinet portfolio. D1 found his actions a misrepresentation of, and in defiance of, the national executive, and purported to expel him from the party pursuant to a 2 day hearing. The Plaintiff claimed the purported exp
u
lsion was null and void for failure of the national executive to discipline him according to its rules. The Plaintiff commenced action by originating summons, seeking determination of issues, among others: (1) that D1 did not have the necessary powers und
er its constitution to take disciplinary action against the Plaintiff; (2) that the decision to expel the Plaintiff from membership of D1 was }{\i\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 ultra vires}{\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
 its constitution; (3) that the expulsion of the Plaintiff by the }{\caps\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 d}{\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 efendants was unlawful and null and void and of no effect; (4) that the Plaintiff\rquote 
s place in the House of Representatives has not become vacant in terms of s71(h) of the 1997 Constitution.  The Court found in his favour after examining the requirements of the Constitution and the party\rquote s arti
cles, which failed to provide for a disciplinary procedure prior to the disciplinary proceedings. Although D1 rectified this soon after, the Court found that the party had not learnt its lessons from the }{\b\i\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
Dreunamisimisi }{\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 case. 
\par }{\b\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
\par Held\endash }{\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 (1) The stipulations in section 71(1)(h)(ii) of the 1997 Constitution required strict interpretation in the wider interests of justice. No power to discipline could be inferred from a Party\rquote 
s articles, and must be in written form. To properly comply with constitutional requiremen
ts on both national and Party levels, and to avoid serious prejudice to any member, it is mandatory to have in place, and be accessible to all, written discipline procedures before any disciplinary action may lawfully be taken against any member of the Pa
rty. The Plaintiff\rquote s expulsion from his political party was wrong in law because there was no written disciplinary procedures in the party\rquote 
s constitution, and the party did not follow the provisions of its own disciplinary procedure and s71(1)(h) of the 1997 Constitution.  The Plaintiff\rquote s membership of the House of Representatives remains inviolate and intact.}{\insrsid11228675 

\par }{\b\insrsid8788579\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard \s16\ql \fi374\li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
(2) Whether an action should be brought on by an originating summons or an originating notice of motion depends on whether material facts are disputed
 or not, which would cause prejudice to the other party. Where there are no serious disputes on the facts either procedure was apt to facilitate the efficient disposal of the questions at issue in this case.
\par }\pard \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
\par Declaration that Plaintiff\rquote s purported expulsion from the First Defendant party was }{\i\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 ultra vires}{\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
, unlawful, null and void and of no effect. Plaintiff retains membership of the House of Representatives. No costs awarded nor order for damages made.
\par }{\b\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
\par Cases referred to in Judgment
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 \f180\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\i\f0\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 Dawson v Antrobus}{
\f0\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233  17 Ch 615 
\par }{\b\i\f0\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 John v Ress & Others }{\f0\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 [1969] 2 All ER 274
\par }{\b\i\f0\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 Kelly v National Society of Operative Printers and Assistants and Others}{\b\f0\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233  }{\f0\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 [1915] 31 TLR 632
\par }{\b\i\f0\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 Lee v The Showmen}{\b\f0\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233  }{\b\i\f0\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 Guild of Gt Britain}{\f0\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233  [1952] 2 QB 329 
\par }{\b\i\f0\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 McKinnon v Grogan}{\f0\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233  [1974] 1 NSWLR 295 
\par }{\b\i\f0\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 Rt Viliame Dreunamisimisi & Ors v Major General Sitiveni Rabuka &Others }{\f0\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 CA 38/94
\par }{\b\i\f0\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 Webster v The Bread Carters Union of NSW}{\f0\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233  [1930 30 SR NSW 269
\par }{\f108\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
Samuela Matawalu for the Plaintiff }{\i\fs24\cf1\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
\par }{\i\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 Ganga P Shankar for the First, Second and Fourth defendants }{\i\fs24\cf1\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 \fs24\lang3081\langfe3081\cgrid\langnp3081\langfenp3081 {\i\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 Tomasi Takalauvere in person (withdrawn with leave)

\par }{\b\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233  
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 18 December, 2001\tab \tab }{
\b\caps\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 judgment}{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 Tuivaga, CJ
\par }{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 This is an action by originating summons brought by the Plaintiff against his purported expulsion by his political party, the New Labour Unity Party and 1}{\fs24\super\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 st }{
\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 Defendant (hereafter "the Party\'94). The Plaintiff was the Party candidate in the 2001 General Election for the Suva City General Communal Constituency when he was duly elected to the House of Representatives.
\par 
\par The circumstances and events leading up to and 
surrounding the decision of the Party to expel the Plaintiff and terminate his membership can be gathered from correspondence exchanged between the Party and the Plaintiff and because of their importance must be referred to in extenso. Thus on September 2
6, 2001 the Party President, (2}{\fs24\super\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 nd}{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233  Defendant) and the National Secretary, (3}{\fs24\super\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 rd}{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
 Defendant) wrote jointly to the Plaintiff in a letter which was as follows:
\par }{\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard\plain \s19\ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1139233 \fs16\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 "Dear Mr Zinck,
\par }\pard \s19\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard \s19\ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 I write to advise you of the collective decision of the National Executive, following its deliberations on the 17}{
\fs24\super\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 th}{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233  and the 25}{\fs24\super\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 th}{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
 of September 2001. The Committee, having heard and carefully considered your explanations, unanimously finds that your unilateral actions in altering the original Memorandum of Understanding, (MOU), as collective
ly approved by the National Executive, and in signing the same as Parliamentary Leader with Mr. Qarase, was a misrepresentation of the Party's clear position on this matter. Your joining of Mr. Qarase's Cabinet on Wednesday 12}{
\fs24\super\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 th }{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 September 2001 was done in 
defiance of the National Executive. Furthermore, your refusal to comply with the requests of the National Executive to withdraw from Mr. Qarase's Cabinet has compromised the principles and interests of the Party and therefore leaves the National Executive
 with no choice but to take disciplinary action against you.
\par }\pard \s19\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 In considering the disciplinary avenues available to the Party,  you are advised that you could either resign willingly from the Party or face expulsion.
\par }{\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 Should you wish to resign, you may do so, before 12 noon on Friday 28}{\fs24\super\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 th}{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
 of September, by written communication to the Party Leader, Dr. Tupeni Baba. If this communication is not in the hands of the Party Leader by 12 noon, Friday 28/9/2001, you are deemed to have been expelled from the Party. Th
is means that you would be automatically disqualified from membership of Parliament in accordance with Section 71 (h) of the 1997 Constitution of the Republic of the Fiji Islands.}{\fs24\super\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 \'94}{
\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
\par 
\par The Plaintiff replied to the letter on September 28, 2001 in these terms:
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 \'93Dear Sir,
\par }{\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 Re: Your Letter 26 September, 2001
\par }{\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 I have obtained legal advice in respect of the above letter, the party constitution and the 1997 Constitution. Your letter purports to give me two options: resign or be expelled. For the avoidance of doubt, I
 will not resign because I have been elected to represent my electorate and I will not and cannot betray the trust they have put in me.
\par }{\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 It has been noted that section 71(l)(h) of the 1997 Constitution requires that any purported expulsion of a sitting party member must be done \'93in accordance\'94
 with rules of the party relating to party discipline" (section 71(h)(ii)). I have also been referred to Article 8.1 of the Party Constitution which states that "There shall be a discipline procedure governing the beha
viour of all members based on the rules to be set up by the National Council with provisions for final appeal to Annual/Special National Convention." I have not been furnished with a copy of these rules set up by the National Council, if any do in fact ex
ist.
\par }{\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
I have been advised that in order to analyse my legal options and rights, I must be given a copy of the properly constituted and binding disciplinary procedures and rules as set up by the National Council. I need to provide them to my legal advisors.

\par }{\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
However, it has been pointed out by my legal advisors that if no properly constituted and binding disciplinary procedures and rules are in place, the letter of 26 September 2001 and any purported expulsion would, prima facie, be unlawful, null and void.

\par }{\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 At present, therefore, my legal counsel has advised that the decision of the National Executive as set out in the letter of 26 September 2001 purporting or deeming to expel me is unlawful and of no legal effect

\par }{\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 I believe that the party stands for the prin
ciple of reconciliation. This is paramount. It requires that we work and co-operate with all facets of our community, including those with which we disagree. The biggest test of this is when we have to work with parties and people whose policies and princ
iples may be different to our party's. Reconciliation is meaningless if we pick and choose who we will work with.
\par }{\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 I have not acted in a manner which offends our paramount principle of reconciliation.}{\fs24\super\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 \'94}{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard\plain \s19\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 \fs16\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 On October 1}{
\fs24\super\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 st}{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 , 2001 the 2nd Defendant wrote again to the Plaintiff in a letter under the heading "Your Expulsion\'94.}{\i\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233  }{
\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233  It reads:
\par }{\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 "Dear Sir,
\par }{\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 Your letter dated September 28}{\fs24\super\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 th}{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233  2001 refers.
\par }{\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 Whilst there are no specific rules of disciplinary procedures spelt out in our Constitution, you will nevertheless appreciate that your hearing on 17}{\fs24\super\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 th }{
\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 and 25}{\fs24\super\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 th}{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
 2001, adhered to the universal principle that any disciplinary hearing must be fair and an ample opportunity given to the affected party to present his or her case. You appeared and raised no objection to the format of the hearing.
\par }{\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 Secondly, the very fact that you actively participated today in the proceedings of the House with the SDL Government and in seconding the motion of the Government in support of the Deputy Speaker of th
e House, points to the fact that you have effectively crossed the floor and therefore contributed to your own expulsion.
\par }{\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 Finally, if you may so choose, you may appeal your expulsion to our Annual or Special National Convention and in this regard you must advise our President in writing within the next seven days.\'94
\par 
\par From the foregoing correspondence it is clear that the Plaintiff was expelled by the Party on the ground that he disobeyed the decision of the Party that he should not associate himself with the
 SDL coalition government. When the Plaintiff participated regardless in the government it was viewed as an act of betrayal and defiance of the Party which immediately rendered his membership in the Party wholly untenable.
\par 
\par Despite the heavy pressures exer
ted on him by the Party to stay out of the government the Plaintiff refused to budge but stood his ground on the basis of his belief that he was acting in the best interest of his constituency and of the principle of national reconciliation. His beliefs p
rompted him to accept a cabinet post when it was offered to him.             
\par 
\par Such is the broad factual scenario upon which these proceedings were instituted.
\par 
\par On October 23, 2001 the Plaintiff filed this action against his expulsion from the Party. The matters on which he seeks the determination of the court are as follows:
\par }{\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
"(1)   that the First Defendant at the material time did not have the necessary powers under its Constitution to take disciplinary action against the Plaintiff.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 (2)    \tab 
that the decision of the First Defendant under the hand of the Second and Fourth Defendants to expel the Plaintiff from membership of the First Defendant was ultra vires its Constitution.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 (3)    \tab that the expulsion of the Plaintiff by the Defendants was u
nlawful and therefore null and void and of no effect.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 (4)    \tab 
that the place of the Plaintiff in the House of Representatives has not become vacant in terms of Section 71(h) of the Constitution of the Republic of the Fiji Islands.
\par }\pard\plain \s19\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 \fs16\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard \s19\ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 (5)   \tab Damages.
\par }\pard \s19\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard \s19\ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 (6)    \tab Costs."
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
\par Mr. G.P. Shankar objected strongly to the form of procedure adopted by the Plaintiff in this case. According to him the present action should have been brought by originating notice of motion and not by the originating summons procedure.  Mr. Sh
ankar claimed that this was a serious breach of procedural rules which entitled the court to dismiss the action. Having carefully considered the matter I do not see any basis to hold that the procedure used in this case was grossly irregular. In the circu
mstances I would adopt the provisions of {\*\bkmkstart O2_r1_3_HCR_K_Zinck_v_NLUP}Order 2 rule 1(3) {\*\bkmkend O2_r1_3_HCR_K_Zinck_v_NLUP}of the High Court Rules which provide:
\par }{\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 "The Court shall not wholly set aside any proceedings or the writ or other originating process by which th
ey were begun on the ground that the proceedings were required by any of these Rules to be begun by an originating process other than the one employed.\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
\par In my view the important consideration is that in the absence of any clear-cut provisions to regulate the hearing of disputes arising under section 71 of the Constitution ("vacation of place of member of Parliament}{
\fs24\super\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 \'94}{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 ) it must be immaterial whether this case was brought on an originating summons or an originating notice of motion. It all depends on whether m
aterial facts are disputed or not. Here the basic facts are not disputed so that there can be no sustainable objection to the way these proceedings were brought. There being no serious dispute on the facts either procedure was just as apt to facilitate th
e
 efficient disposal of the questions at issue in this case. The bottom line is whether serious prejudice was likely to result to one or other of the parties. It is clear no one would suffer prejudice in this case on procedural grounds. It may be of intere
st to note that the}{\b\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233  }{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 originating summons}{\b\i\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233  }{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 procedure was used in}{
\b\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233  }{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 the}{\b\i\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233  Dreunamisimisi }{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
case full reference to which will be given later in another context in this judgment. In the result I see no merit in the objection taken on behalf of the Defendants.
\par 
\par The cent
ral question in these proceedings is whether the purported expulsion of the Plaintiff from the Party was lawful or not. This will depend on the question whether at the material time the Party had the necessary powers and authority to the Plaintiff under i
ts disciplinary regime. That question necessarily turns on the true interpretation of {\*\bkmkstart Const_s71_1__h_ii_K_Zinck_v_NLUP}section 71(1)(h)(ii) {\*\bkmkend Const_s71_1__h_ii_K_Zinck_v_NLUP}
of the 1997 Constitution (hereafter "the Constitution") which provides:
\par }{\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 \'9371(l) The place of a member of the House of Representatives becomes vacant if the member:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard\plain \s19\ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1139233 \fs16\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
(h) is expelled from the political party for which he or she was a candidate at the time he or she was last elected to the House of Representatives and:
\par }\pard \s19\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li2160\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid1139233 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
(ii) the expulsion was in accordance with rules of the party relating to party discipline;\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
\par It is clear that these provisions require a political party to make rules for the discipline of its members. It is also acknowledged in the Constitution and Rules of the Party (hereafter "the Party Constitution") where Clause 8.1 stipulates:
\par }{\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
"There shall be a discipline procedure governing the behaviour of all members based on the rules to be set up by the National Council with provisions for final appeal to the Annual/Special National Convention"
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
\par The Party Constitution contains no more than 21 clauses and these are concerned for the most part with the structure and administration of the Party. Under the Party Constitution the Party was formed to promote:
\par }{\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 \bullet      the aspirations of the people of Fiji for a decent, secure and dignified way of life;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 \bullet    \tab 
the recognition by the people of the necessity for a political voice to curb the excess, injustices and inequalities of capitalism;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard\plain \s19\ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1139233 \fs16\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 \bullet      \tab the recognition by the peo
ple of (the importance of all communities living together peacefully as part of one united nation;
\par }\pard \s19\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard \s19\ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 \bullet      \tab the commitment by the people to the creation of a free, independent and an enlightened Fiji.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
\par The Party's permanent constituent bodies comprise:
\par }{\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard\plain \s19\ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1139233 \fs16\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 \bullet     \tab }{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
the Annual National Convention;
\par }\pard \s19\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard \s19\ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 \bullet     \tab the National Council;
\par }\pard \s19\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard \s19\ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 \bullet     \tab the National Executive;
\par }\pard \s19\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard \s19\ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 \bullet  \tab the Regional Councils;}{\i\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233  }{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 and 
\par }\pard \s19\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard \s19\ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 \bullet \tab the Branch Committees.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
\par Membership of the Party is open to all citizens and residents of Fiji and Rotuma upon payment of an annual fee of two dollars.
\par 
\par The National Council is the governing body of the Party and functions as the supreme authority in between the Annual/Special National Conventions.
\par 
\par The National Council is comprised of the National President, two Vice-Presidents, the National Secretary, an Assistant National Secretary, the National Treasurer, a Party leader who should be either a member of the House of Representati
ves or of the Senate, two representatives each from the four Regional Councils elected annually by the Annual National Convention two representatives of the Women Wing of the Party elected annually by the Annual National Convention; two Youth representati
ves elected annually at the Annual National Convention.
\par 
\par Under the Party Constitution administration and management of the affairs of the Party is the responsibility of the National Executive which consists of a Party President, 2 Vice Presidents, the Natio
nal Secretary and Assistant Secretary, a Treasurer and the Party Leader.
\par 
\par I am grateful for the written and oral submissions presented by both Mr. S. Matawalu for the Plaintiff and Mr. G.P. Shankar for the Defendants which have helped to clarify the compet
ing contentions between the parties in this case. As already noted it is common ground that the material facts in this case are not in dispute. The relevant law has been traversed by Mr. Shankar in his written and oral submissions over which there is also
 no real dispute. Mr. Matawalu for his part was content to rely on the exposition of the law by Fatiaki J. in his judgment in the case of}{\b\i\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233  {\*\bkmkstart Ratu_Villiam_v_Rabuka_Kenneth_v_NLUP}
{\*\bkmkstart Dreunamisimisi_v_Rabuka_K_Zinck_v_NLUP}Ratu Viliame Dreunamisimisi & Others v Major General Sitiveni Rabuka & Other{\*\bkmkend Ratu_Villiam_v_Rabuka_Kenneth_v_NLUP}s}{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233  
{\*\bkmkend Dreunamisimisi_v_Rabuka_K_Zinck_v_NLUP}(Civil Action No. 38 of 1994). The case was the first of its kind to deal with the expulsion of members of a political party as a result of disciplin
ary action. It was a case that was decided under the 1990 Constitution whose provisions on the vacation of seats of members of parliament are markedly different from comparable provisions in the 1997 Constitution (cf 
{\*\bkmkstart s43_1990_Const_K_Zinck_v_NLUP}section 43 {\*\bkmkend s43_1990_Const_K_Zinck_v_NLUP}of 1990 Constitution and section 71 of the 1997 Constitution). The }{\b\i\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 Dreunamisimisi}{
\i\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233  }{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 case is however important for its citation of authorities which are also pertinent to the present case. For that reason I believe it would be us
eful to quote even though at length this excerpt from the judgment of Fatiaki J:
\par }{\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
     "Although I am mindful of the traditional reluctance of the Courts to involve themselves in the internal affairs of clubs, churches and other unincorporated associations
, I am nevertheless satisfied that the better and more modern view is that expressed by Megarry J. in }{\b\i\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 {\*\bkmkstart John_v_Ress_and_Others_Kenneth_v_NLUP}John v Rees and Others}{
\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 {\*\bkmkend John_v_Ress_and_Others_Kenneth_v_NLUP} [1969] 2 All ER 274 when he said in dealing with the internal struggles of an unincorporated political party at p.281:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 \'93
I must make explicit what all lawyers will recognise as implicit, but which those who are not lawyers may not fully appreciate. I am not in the least concerned in this case with the rightness 
or wrongness or the desirability or undesirability of any political views or policies that there may be. This is so whether the views or politics are political in the ordinary external sense.... or whether they are internal politics within the confines of
 any political or other unit My concern is merely to see that those concerned in these proceedings obtain justice according to law, irrespective of politics.}{\fs24\super\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 \'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
\par In similar vein Wootten J. discussed the Court's role in }{\b\i\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 {\*\bkmkstart McKinnon_v_Grogan_K_Zinck_v_NLUP}McKinnon v Grogan}{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233  {\*\bkmkend McKinnon_v_Grogan_K_Zinck_v_NLUP}
[1974] 1 N.S.WLR 295 in a case involving a football club when he said at p. 298-9:
\par }{\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 \'93
I consider that citizens are entitled to look to the Courts for the same assistance in resolving disputes about the conduct of sp
orting, political and social organisations as they can expect in relation to commercial institutions. If it was not forthcoming a vast and growing sector of the lives of people ... will be a legal no-man's land, in which disputes are settled not in accord
ance with justice and the fulfilment of deliberately undertaken obligations but by deceit, craftiness, arrogant disregard of rights and other means which poison the institutions in which they exist, and destroy trust between members.}{
\fs24\super\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 \'94}{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
\par To the sug
gestion that questions of membership and the actions of the 'Management Board' in that regard are merely internal affairs of the SVT and therefore outside the proper purview of the Courts, I need only say that the Constitution of the SVT constitutes an en
forceable contract between the members of the party and regulates matters between its 'Management Board\rquote  and the members and as with all contracts, is subject to the interpretation of the Court.
\par 
\par Lord Denning in rejecting a similar suggestion in }{\b\i\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 {\*\bkmkstart Lee_v_Showmen_Guild_K_Zinck_v_NLUP}Lee v The Showmen Guild {\*\bkmkend Lee_v_Showmen_Guild_K_Zinck_v_NLUP}of Gt Britain }{
\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 [1952] 2 QB 329 where a member successfully challenged his expulsion, said at p.344:
\par }{\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 'The rules are the contract between the members. The Committee cannot exten
d their jurisdiction by giving a wrong interpretation to the contract, no matter how honest they may be. They have only such jurisdiction as the contract on its true interpretation confers on them, not what they think it confers. The scope of their jurisd
iction is a matter for the Courts, and not for the parties, let alone for one of them.}{\fs24\super\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 \rquote }{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
\par In this case the 'Management Board}{\fs24\super\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 \rquote }{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
 clearly considered that it had the necessary powers to conduct disciplinary proceedings and terminate the membership of the Plaintif
fs in the SVT. The Plaintiffs for their part clearly disagree and it is unfortunate that the 1st Defendants have not sought to justify their actions or indicate where? in the constitution of the SVT such 'powers' (if any) are vested in the 'Management Boa
rd' or ought reasonably to be inferred. For my part I confess I can find none nor in my view ought such a power to be inferred.
\par 
\par It has been said that \'93... }{\i\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 a power of expelling a member is a drastic power which in many cases may affect the Plaintiffs livelihood and reputation}{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 ...\'94
 and as such in my view ought not to be inferred except in the most exceptional of circumstances and even then only where a general }{\i\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 'catch all'}{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
 power would permit it on a fair and liberal reading of the rules.
\par 
\par As long ago as 1881 Jessel M.R. in }{\b\i\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 {\*\bkmkstart Dawson_v_Antrobus_K_Zinck_v_NLUP}Dawson v Antrobus}{\i\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233  }{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
{\*\bkmkend Dawson_v_Antrobus_K_Zinck_v_NLUP}17 Ch. 615 disavowed any inherent power in a club to pass a rule to expel a member when he said at p.621:
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 \'93'Now that (the binding nature of the rule) does not d
epend on the inherent power of a club to pass a rule to expel one or more of its members, I for one am unaware of the existence of such a power, and I was surprised to hear such a proposition put forward. There is no more inherent power in the members of 
a
 club to alter their rules so as to expel one of its members against the wishes of the minority, than there is in the members of any society or partnership which is founded on a contract, that written contract of course expressing the terms on which the m
embers associate together; and it is intolerable to imagine that the majority should in such a case claim a inherent power of expelling the minority. I say that because that has been a matter pressed upon me as if capable of argument. I think it is not.}{
\fs24\super\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 \'94}{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
\par M
r. Shankar has submitted strongly that written rules were not a prerequisite for the vesting in the Party the powers and authority such as to enable it to deal with wayward members such as the Plaintiff in this case. Mr. Shankar seemed to have found suppo
rt for that submission in the remarks made by Fatiaki J. in the }{\b\i\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 Dreunamisimisi }{\i\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 case}{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233  where he said:
\par }{\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
"Although the Constitution of the SVT imposed no positive duties of loyalty or obedience upon its members nevertheless It may be properly implied that by vir
tue of their membership of the SVT party the Plaintiffs agreed that they would obey and comply with the rules of the party and on the part of the SVT party its agreement that, so long as the Plaintiffs complied with the rules and made their contributions 
according to the rules, and so long as they did not do anything in violation of the rules, they would remain members of the SVT party."
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
\par Based on the concept of implied duties of loyalty and obedience binding Party members the Party in this case had proceed
ed on the basis that it had the necessary powers and authority to take disciplinary action against any of its members subject only to compliance with the rules of natural justice. According to the Party the Plaintiff was given every opportunity pursuant t
o the principles of natural justice to excuse or justify his action for disobeying the Party directives to which he was bound by virtue of the loyalty and allegiance he owed to the Party. The Party obviously treated the Plaintiff\rquote 
s act of disobedience as am
ounting to a disciplinary offence which had to be enquired into and dealt with in the interest of Party stability and solidarity. It was in light of these circumstances that the Party considered itself entitled in law to take disciplinary action against t
he Plaintiff for offending Party rules resulting in his expulsion from the Party.
\par 
\par Attractive and seemingly logical as the arguments thus presented on behalf of the Defendants the truth of the matter is that the stipulations in section 71(l)(h)(ii) of the C
onstitution and Clause 8.1 of the Party Constitution required strict interpretation of its provisions in the wider interest of justice. Disciplining a member of a political party who happens to be also a member of parliament is a grave matter that cannot 
s
imply be left to be decided on the whims of a few Party officials in total disregard of the legal requirements envisaged under section 71(l)(h)(ii) of the Constitution and Clause 8.1 of the Party Constitution. To properly comply with constitutional requir
e
ments on both national and Party levels it was mandatory in my view that written discipline procedures must first be put in place before any disciplinary action may lawfully be taken against any member of the Party. It is a matter of great public importan
c
e that disciplinary rules are not only transparent but also accessible to all members of the Party. This is essential to avoid serious prejudice to any member facing disciplinary proceedings. This to be the thinking behind what was said by Swinfen Eady L.
J. in}{\i\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233  }{\b\i\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 {\*\bkmkstart Kelly_v_National_Society_K_Zinck_v_NLUP}Kelly v National Society of Operative Printers and Assistants and Others}{
\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 {\*\bkmkend Kelly_v_National_Society_K_Zinck_v_NLUP} [1915] 31 TLR 632 at p.633:
\par }{\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 \'93A power to expel would not be implied; it must be found in the rules i
n plain and unambiguous language. Indeed there is no inherent power in any club or society to alter its rules so as to introduce such a power."
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
\par Similarly in }{\b\i\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 {\*\bkmkstart Webster_v_Bread_Carters_K_Zinck_v_NLUP}Webster v The Bread Carters Union of NSW}{\i\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233  }{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
{\*\bkmkend Webster_v_Bread_Carters_K_Zinck_v_NLUP}[1930 30 SR.}{\i\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233  }{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 NSW 269 Long Innes J. summed up the relevant legal principles when he said at p.272:
\par }{\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 \'93
It is also established by a long line of authorities, ... that an association such as the Defendant union in this case has no common law right of expulsion, either by vote in general meeting or by action of its executive officers.}{
\fs24\super\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 \'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
\par When the Party Constitution was drafted it seems that the lessons of the }{\b\i\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 Dreunamisimisi}{\i\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233  }{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
case were not fully taken into account. This is obvious from the rather slapdash approach taken to the purported disciplinary action to which the Plaintiff was subjected. Be that as it may it is interesting to note that after this action was instituted th
e Party made some effort to give effect to the provisions of section 71(l)(h)(ii) of the Constitution and Clause 8.1 of the Party Constitution. Reference may be made to the affidavit of the 2}{\fs24\super\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 nd}{
\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233  Defendant which was filed as recently as December 11, 2001 and 
where he deposes to the fact that a written Discipline Procedure was passed and approved by the National Council of the Party on November 11, 2001. Such action might well be viewed as an implied acceptance by the Party about its own lack of powers and aut
h
ority to expel the Plaintiff at the material time. In any event the fundamental error of the Party as I see it was its failure to follow the rule of law governing disciplinary matters within the Party. In these circumstances the conclusion is irresistible
 
that the Party was not legally vested with any powers or authority to lawfully expel the Plaintiff from the Party. In my judgment the purported expulsion of the Plaintiff from the Party was ultra vires and therefore unlawful. That is to say the purported 
expulsion of the Plaintiff was null and void and of no effect.
\par 
\par If I may say so with respect I find the Party's complaint about the Plaintiff\rquote s participation in Prime Minister Qarase's coalition government as somewhat surprising given the fact that under th
e Party Constitution two of the main aims of the Party advocated }{\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 \endash }{\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard\plain \s19\ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1139233 \fs16\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 \bullet  \tab 
the recognition by the people of the importance of all communities living together peacefully as part of one united nation; and 
\par }\pard \s19\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\super\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard \s19\ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 \bullet  \tab the commitment of the people to the creation of a free, independent and an enlightened Fiji.
\par }\pard \s19\ql \fi-720\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 Furthermore it seems to me that the Plaintiff\rquote 
s approach to his parliamentary responsibilities was consistent with the concept of multi-party government which is bei
ng fostered by the Constitution. While it is not my place to say so I cannot but help thinking that it was perhaps unfortunate that the Party was not able to conceive for itself a larger role in the vital task of nation building for a country that despera
tely needs it.
\par 
\par For the reasons I have given I find the Plaintiff\rquote s purported expulsion from the Party was wrong in law and cannot be sustained. The result is that the membership of the Plaintiff in the House of Representatives remains inviolate and intact 
under the Constitution.
\par 
\par In the interest of internal reconciliation and good fellowship within the Party I make no order as to costs nor any order for damages.
\par }{\fs24\insrsid1139233\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard\plain \s16\qr \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 \fs24\lang3081\langfe3081\cgrid\langnp3081\langfenp3081 {\i\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 Declaration granted.
\par }\pard \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard \s16\qr \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 {\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 Marie Chan}{\i\cgrid0\insrsid11228675\charrsid1139233 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1139233 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid1972231\charrsid1139233 
\par }}