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Permanent Secretary for Youth, Employment Opportunities and Sports }{\fs16\insrsid10500829 \tab }{\field{\*\fldinst {\cs17\fs16\insrsid10500829  PAGE }}{\fldrslt {\cs17\fs16\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid8792865 6}}}{
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\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 {\*\bkmkstart State_v_PS_Youth_Employment_Sports}STATE v PERMANENT SECRETARY FOR YOUTH, EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND SPORTS }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 ex parte }{\caps\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 k}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 itione }{
\caps\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 uapati}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8792865 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 {\*\bkmkend State_v_PS_Youth_Employment_Sports}
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 High Court Judicial Review Jurisdiction
\par 1 August, 2001\tab \tab \tab \tab \tab \tab \tab HBJ 0004/01
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8792865 \fs24\lang3081\langfe3081\cgrid\langnp3081\langfenp3081 {\b\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
\par }{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 Judicial Review \endash  decision of permanent secretary purportedly to terminate the applicant}{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{
\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 s position as divisional youth officer, and requiring him to revert to substantive post of senior youth officer \endash  
whether permanent secretary had delegated power to transfer internally \endash  no legitimate expectation from candidates that one of them fill the position - 1997 Constitution s147(1); Interpretation Ac
t s44; Public Service (General) Regulations 1999 regs 5, 13, Schedule; Delegation of Powers of Public Service Commission (LN 102/99) Sch 1 & 2
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
\par The applicant acted in the position of divisional youth officer, and was interviewed for that position.}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid8792865  }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 The pos
ition was not filled by any interviewees, but by an internal transfer.}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid8792865  }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 The Respondent
 required him to revert to his former post of senior youth officer (Maritime).}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid8792865  }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
The applicant sought judicial review on the basis that the decision was wholly unreasonable. The Court disagreed, applying the enabling provision of section 44 of the Interpretation Act. The Court found that LN 102/99 did not confer delegated power t
o the permanent secretary of each department to transfer within each ministry, which role was left to the secretary for public service.}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid8792865  }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
However, the applicant had not complained of this. The Court found that the substantive effect of the transfer was that another person who had not applied for the post was appointed. 
The Court found that while there was no legitimate expectation that a candidate from amongst those applying fill the post, if none of the candidates were suitable, then courtesy demanded that
 the position be withdrawn and candidates notified before internal transfer by the Public Service Commission.
\par 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 Held \endash  }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 The Respondent}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 s decision to revoke an acting appointment, not being a transfer, the applicant had no locus under the Public Service (General) Regulations 1999 reg 13 to challenge it.}{
\b\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid8792865  }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 The permanent secretary had the necessary power, albeit delegated, not only to make an acting appointment of divisional youth officer
 but also to revoke the conditional nature of it, thus the revocation of an acting appointment is not wholly unreasonable under section 44 of the Interpretation Act.
 But the permanent secretary had no delegated power to transfer any person within the Ministry, thus acted }{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 ultra vires }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 reg}
{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865  }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 5 of the Public Service (General) Regulation
s as the appointee was not an applicant for the post, nor interviewed for it. There was no open, competitive selection process. The post should have been withdrawn and the candidates notified before being filled internally.}{
\b\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 Case referred to in Ruling
\par }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 Anuradha Charan v PSC}{\b\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865  }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 [1993]}{
\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865  }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 ABU}{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865  }{
\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 2/92}{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865  }{\lang2057\langfe3081\cgrid0\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 19 November 1993}{
\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8792865 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
Sevuloni Valenitabua for the }{\i\caps\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 a}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 pplicant
\par Luke Daunivalu for the Respondent
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8792865 \fs24\lang3081\langfe3081\cgrid\langnp3081\langfenp3081 {\b\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8792865 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 1 August, 2001\tab \tab 
\tab }{\b\caps\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 RULING}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 Fatiaki, J
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 This is an application for leave to judicially review a decision of the Permanent Secretary for Youth Employment Opportunities and Sport [}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 PS}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
] taken on the 29th November 2000 in a Memorandum written to the applicant as acting Divisional Youth Officer (Central/Maritime Division) [}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 DYO (C/M)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 ], and which is incorrectly entitled: }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 Transfer}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 .
\par 
\par I say }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 incorrectly}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865  advisedly because the actual decision taken did not in fact effect or require the transfer of the applicant in any sense in which the term is normal
ly understood in the Public Service [see: the definition of the term in the Public Service (General) Regulations 1999].\~ 
\par 
\par Given the comprehensive nature of the affidavits and counsel}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
s written submissions I have decided to finally dispose of this case under {\*\bkmkstart O53_3_9_HCR_State_PS_Youth_Tuapati}Order 53 r.3(9){\*\bkmkend O53_3_9_HCR_State_PS_Youth_Tuapati} as amended by the High Court (Amendment) (No.2) Rules 1998.
\par 
\par The relevant Memora}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 ndum is in the following terms:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865\charrsid8792865 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8792865 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
The is to inform you that your acting appointment as the Divisional Youth Officer [Central/Maritime Division] will cease on 29/12/00.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8792865 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8792865 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
The Permanent Secretary has decided that the current Divisional Youth Officer [Western], Mr. Illiesa Tuikenatabua, will take over the duties of DYO [C/M] with effect from 02/01/01.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8792865 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8792865 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
Therefore you will revert back to your substantive post of Senior Youth Officer [Maritime] from 02/01/01.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8792865 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
\par In essence, the decision taken was the termination of the applicant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
s acting appointment as Divisional Youth Officer (Central/Maritime Division) [}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 DYO (C/M)}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 ] thereby reverting him to his substantive post of Senior Youth Officer (Maritime) [}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 SYO (M)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
] in the same station.
\par \~
\par Having thus identified the exact nature of the decision affecting the applicant, I turn to consider the basis on which the applicant claims to have a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 sufficient interest}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865  to challenge the PS}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 s decision.\~ In this regard counsel writes: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865\charrsid8792865 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8792865 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
The applicant was Acting PYO (C/M).\~ The Applicant applied for the post of PYO (C/M) as advertised.\~ He was interviewed with two (2) other applicants.\~ None of the interviewees was appointed to the post.\~ Applicant is aggrieved.\~
 He has sufficient interest to apply for JR.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8792865 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
\par If I may say so none of the above matters are apparent in the Memorandum of 29th November, 2000 which records the decision being challenged.\~ Having said that, the PS in her affidavit accepts that the Memorandum: }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 ... was issued to notify (the applicant) of the decision made regarding the filling of t
he vacant post in which he was acting and for which he was interviewed}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 .\~
 In other words, by inference, that his application was unsuccessful and that the post was to be filled by way of an internal transfer within the Ministry.
\par 
\par Notwithstanding that the applicant claims that the Permanent Secretary }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 ... acted wholly unreasonably in terminating the Applicant}
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 s position as Acting PYO (C/M) and reverting the applicant to SYO (C/M)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865  and reliance is placed on the provisions of {\*\bkmkstart PS_General_R5_LN48_99_State_v_PS_Tuapati}Regulation 5 {\*\bkmkend PS_General_R5_LN48_99_State_v_PS_Tuapati}
of the Public Service (General) Regulations 1999 which deals with appointments and promotions }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 to an office pursuant to 
{\*\bkmkstart Const_s147_1_State_v_PS_Youth_Tuapati}Section 147(1) {\*\bkmkend Const_s147_1_State_v_PS_Youth_Tuapati}of the Constitution}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865  of which the Public Service Constitution (}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 PSC}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 ) is the designated appointing authority.
\par 
\par Be that as it may, it is difficult to understand why?\~ or how?\~ the decision to terminate the applicant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
s acting appointment could be categorised as }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 wholly unreasonable}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865  when the original appointment letter clearly stated that the acting appointment: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 ... (was) until the post is substantively filled or ... the appointment is revoked whichever is earlier}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 .\~ In this case I note that both events occurred\~ simultaneously }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 ... with effect from 02/01/01}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 .
\par 
\par Needless to say it has not been, nor could it be, suggested that such a condition imposed on an acting appointment is per se an unreasonable one, how then, can the mere activation of the condition by the appointing authority with over one month}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 s warning to the incumbent, be considered as }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 ... acting wholly unreasonably}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 ?\~ Plainly it is not. 
\par 
\par The matter is placed beyond any possible doubt however, by the clear terms of Legal Notice No.102 of 1999 which empowers the PS to make acting appointments in the Ministry }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 in any occupational group in grades up to and including SS01}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
 which, it is common ground, includes the vacant post of DYO [C/M],\~read together with {\*\bkmkstart s44_Interp_Act_State_v_PS_Youth_Tuapati}Section 44 {\*\bkmkend s44_Interp_Act_State_v_PS_Youth_Tuapati}
of the Interpretation Act (Cap.7) which expressly provides (so far as relevant): 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8792865 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
Where by or under any written law a power...is conferred...upon any person...to make any appointment..., then, unl
ess a contrary intention appears, the person...having such power...shall also have the power to... revoke the appointment of,...any person appointed in exercise of the power ...}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8792865 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
\par Plainly the PS had the necessary power, albeit delegated, not only to make the acting appointment but also to revoke it, and, given the conditional nature of the acting appointment in the first instance, and the fact that the post was being }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 substantively filled}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865  by an internal transfer, there is no merit at all in the suggestion that the PS}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 s actions were }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 wholly unreasonable}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865  and I refuse leave on this ground of complaint.
\par 
\par In the present\~case, the applicant was neither }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 appointed}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865  nor }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 promoted}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865  to a substantive office in the Memorandum and, as such, there is considerable doubt as to whether he has a }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 sufficient interest}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865  to challenge that aspect of the decision which, at best, referred to another officer not before the Court.\~ Even that other officer, according to the applicant, }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 was a confirmed PYO so he could neither have been appointed or promoted.\~ He was also not interviewed (for the vacant post)}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 .
\par 
\par Similarly, the applicant was not }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 transferred}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865  as a result of the decision and, again, can have no }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
sufficient interest}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865  to challenge the transfer of another officer who is no
t before the Court albeit that the transfer is implied in the Memorandum.\~ In this regard Regulation 13 of the Public Service (General) Regulations 1999 makes it abundantly clear that it is the officer being transferred who has any }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 locus}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
 to challenge the transfer decision for want of prior notice and/or breach of natural justice (if any).
\par 
\par That is not to say that the applicant has not been affected by the transfer, plainly he has been, but that does not entitle him to challenge the transfer decision which as earlier pointed out, did not directly relate to him.
\par 
\par Be that as it may, applicant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 s counsel generally submits that }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 ... the (PS) has no power to transfer and/or reshuffle officers (since) the (relevant) Legal Notice confers the power to transfer officers upon the Secretary for Public Service.\~
 Not to the Permanent Secretaries}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 .
\par 
\par The PS for her part, perhaps not surprisingly, asserts that: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
... staff transfers and reshuffles are made in accordance with the powers delegated to me, as Permanent Secretary, under Legal Notice Number 102 of 1999}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 .\~ No specific delegation is identified however in the affidavit and it is therefore necessary to examine more closely the relevant Legal Notice.
\par 
\par Legal Notice 102 of 1999 is entitled: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 DELEGATION OF POWERS OF PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865  and specifically, under {\*\bkmkstart sch_1_LN102_99_State_v_PS_Youth_Tuapati}Schedule 1
{\*\bkmkend sch_1_LN102_99_State_v_PS_Youth_Tuapati}, the power }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
to make appointments, including acting and probationary appointments, and to confirm appointments and promotion of officers in the Ministry or Department respectively}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865  is delegated to the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 Permanent Secretary or Head of Department
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 .
\par \~
\par It is equally clear, by the absence of any mention of it, that the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 power to transfer}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865  officers within the public service which is expressly vested in the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 PSC}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 \~ under 
{\*\bkmkstart PS_General_Regs_R13_State_v_PS_Tuapati}Regulation 13 {\*\bkmkend PS_General_Regs_R13_State_v_PS_Tuapati}of the Public Service (General) Regulations 1999 has not been delegated to Permanent Secretaries under the above-mentioned delegation.

\par \~
\par Respondent}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
s counsel submits however that such a power (to transfer) is necessarily implied or included in the delegated power to make appointments as expanded in {\*\bkmkstart PS_General_Regs_Sch2_State_v_PS_Tuapati}
{\*\bkmkstart sch_2_LN102_99_State_v_PS_Youth_Tuapati}Schedule 2{\*\bkmkend PS_General_Regs_Sch2_State_v_PS_Tuapati} {\*\bkmkend sch_2_LN102_99_State_v_PS_Youth_Tuapati}item (vii).\~
 I cannot agree with this submission or with the reference to item (vii) which specifically refers to }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
the transfer of an officer to another Ministry ....}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
 which has no relevance to the particular circumstances of the present case which involves the internal transfer of an officer within the Ministry.
\par \~
\par Additionally, the power to appoint and promote is treated quite separately from the power to
 transfer under the Public Service (General) Regulations 1999 viz Regulation 5 and Regulation 13 and, this separation is continued and reinforced under Schedule 1 of the Legal Notice No.102 of 1999,\~
which, additionally and separately, delegates the power }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 To transfer officers}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 
'}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865  within certain occupational groups in whatever Ministry to the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 Secretary for Public Service}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 . 
\par \~
\par A similar separate delegation }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 to transfer}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865  could have been granted to Permanent Secretaries in respect of other occupational or profess
ional groups in their respective Ministries not covered under the aforementioned delegation, but this was not done.\~
 I accept that the enumerated occupational groups are of the general cadre and might be considered common to all Ministries but that does not affect or alter the legislative scheme of separating the respective powers and even the delegation thereof.

\par \~
\par Finally, the fore-runner to Legal Notice 102 of 1999 which was revoked by it, namely, Legal Notice 138 of 1997,\~ clearly and expressly delegated to Permanent Secretaries, the PSC}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 s powers to: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 make appointments ..., promotions, }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 transfers}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865  and to discipline in respect of all occupational groups...}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 \~ (my underlining for emphasis).
\par \~
\par Why then, one may well ask, was the power to transfer officers left out in the replacement Legal Notice? \~Was it intentional or was it a mistake?
\par \~
\par Whatever the answer, it is not the function of this Court to infer the existence of such a power (to transfer an officer internally) however desirable and administratively convenient it may seem.
\par \~
\par In the result I am reluctantly driven to the conclusion that there is a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 lacuna}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865  in the powers delegated to the Permanent Secretary under Legal Notice 102 of 1999 in 
so far as there is no power delegated to the PS to transfer officers within the Ministry such as might occur during a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 reshuffle}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 .\~ That being said, the affected officer not having complained however, no relief can be granted on that score at the behest of
 the applicant.
\par \~
\par That is not, however, the end of the matter since the actual effect of the (irregular) transfer is that the vacant post has, on the PS}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 s own admission,\~now been filled, therefore, the substance of the internal transfer is that Mr. Iliesa Tuikenatabua has been }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 appointed}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865  to the post and although\~
it is a power that has expressly been delegated to the PS under the Legal Notice, it was not apparently exercised in this instance.\~ In other words, the substantive result of the PS}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 s decision is that Mr. Iliesa Tuikenatabua, under the guise of being transferred internally, was, in effect, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 appointed}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865  to the vacant post.
\par \~
\par On both counts, I am more than satisfied that the PS acted ultra vires in so far as she had no delegated power to transfer anyone within the Ministry,\~
and, although she had the necessary power to appoint someone to fill the vacant post, the exercise of that power was plainly in breach of the mandatory requirements of Regulation 5 of the Public Service (General) Regulations 1999 in 
so far as the appointee was not an applicant for the post nor had he been interviewed for it.\~ To adopt the wording of the Regulation the appointment (under the guise of an ultra vires internal transfer) was not made }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 ... after an open, competitive selection process}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 .
\par \~
\par The PS}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
s decision transferring and/or appointing Mr. Iliesa Tuikenatabua [DYO(W)] to the vacant post of DYO(C/M) is accordingly set aside and it is hereby declared that the position of DYO(C/M) remains vacant subject to the transfer being re
gularised by the PSC should it decide that such a course is the appropriate one to take.
\par \~
\par Having said that I accept that the mere fact that a vacant post has been advertised does not mean that an appointment must be made from amongst the candidates that applied for the post.\~
 It may well turn out that none of the applicants are considered suitable and that must be a matter for the determination of the appropriate appointing authority, in this case, the PS.\~ But if that was the decision, then courtesy, if n
othing else, demanded that the candidates for the position be advised of the result of their candidature and the vacant post withdrawn before being filled internally as PSC (not the PS) decides.
\par \~
\par Needless to say in this regard, I accept State Counsel}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
s submission that there can be no legitimate expectation on the part of a candidate for a vacant position either that he or she will be appointed to the position, or indeed, that the vacancy will be filled at all from the list of candidates\~
(see: The unreported judgment of the Court of Appeal in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 {\*\bkmkstart Anuradha_Charan_v_PSC_State_v_PS_Tuapati}Anuradha Charan v PSC}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 {\*\bkmkend Anuradha_Charan_v_PSC_State_v_PS_Tuapati}Civil Appeal No. 2 of 1992 at p.19).\~
 There is no merit in this ground of complaint and leave is accordingly refused therefor.
\par \~
\par It must be emphasised that, all that the Court is deciding, at this juncture, is that, in the absence of a delegated power to transfer an officer internally within the Ministry, the PS in purportedly exercising her delegated power of appoin
tment is obliged to comply with the requirements of Regulation 5 of the Public Service (General) Regulation, 1999.
\par \~
\par Leave having been refused on all grounds urged by the applicant, the application is accordingly dismissed.\~ In doing so I confess to some sympathy with the applicant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 s grievance where the filling of the vacant post was undertaken in a less than transparent manner and in circumstances that applicant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 
'}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 s counsel says can give rise to }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 nepotism in the service}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 .
\par \~
\par There will be no order as to costs.
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8792865 
\par }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8792865 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 Application fails.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8792865 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\qr \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8792865 \fs24\lang3081\langfe3081\cgrid\langnp3081\langfenp3081 {\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid5722696\charrsid8792865 Marie Chan
\par }}