{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman{\*\falt Times New Roman};} {\f1\fswiss\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 020b0604020202020204}Arial{\*\falt Arial};}{\f29\fnil\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02000500000000000000}Shruti;}{\f179\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 00000000000000000000}CG Times{\*\falt Times New Roman};} {\f183\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f184\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f186\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek{\*\falt Times New Roman};} {\f187\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f188\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew){\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f189\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic){\*\falt Times New Roman};} {\f190\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f191\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese){\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f193\fswiss\fcharset238\fprq2 Arial CE{\*\falt Arial};} {\f194\fswiss\fcharset204\fprq2 Arial Cyr{\*\falt Arial};}{\f196\fswiss\fcharset161\fprq2 Arial Greek{\*\falt Arial};}{\f197\fswiss\fcharset162\fprq2 Arial Tur{\*\falt Arial};}{\f198\fswiss\fcharset177\fprq2 Arial (Hebrew){\*\falt Arial};} {\f199\fswiss\fcharset178\fprq2 Arial (Arabic){\*\falt Arial};}{\f200\fswiss\fcharset186\fprq2 Arial Baltic{\*\falt Arial};}{\f201\fswiss\fcharset163\fprq2 Arial (Vietnamese){\*\falt Arial};}}{\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255; \red0\green255\blue255;\red0\green255\blue0;\red255\green0\blue255;\red255\green0\blue0;\red255\green255\blue0;\red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue128;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green128\blue0;\red128\green0\blue128;\red128\green0\blue0; \red128\green128\blue0;\red128\green128\blue128;\red192\green192\blue192;}{\stylesheet{\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext0 \styrsid6772884 Normal;}{ \s1\ql \li0\ri0\sb240\sa60\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel0\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f1\fs32\lang3081\langfe3081\kerning32\cgrid\langnp3081\langfenp3081 \sbasedon0 \snext0 \styrsid6772884 heading 1;}{\*\cs10 \additive \ssemihidden Default Paragraph Font;}{\*\ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \snext11 \ssemihidden Normal Table;}{\s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f179\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext15 \styrsid6772884 Body Text;}{\s16\ql \li0\ri0\sa120\sl480\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang3081\langfe3081\cgrid\langnp3081\langfenp3081 \sbasedon0 \snext16 \styrsid6772884 Body Text 2;}{\s17\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext17 \styrsid6772884 header;}{\*\cs18 \additive \sbasedon10 \styrsid6772884 page number;}{\s19\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar \jclisttab\tx720\faauto\outlinelevel0\rin0\lin1440\itap0 \f29\fs24\lang1033\langfe3081\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp3081 \sbasedon0 \snext19 \styrsid6772884 Level 1;}{\*\ts20\tsrowd\trbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrr \brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrh\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrv\brdrs\brdrw10 \trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \sbasedon11 \snext20 \styrsid14373519 Table Grid;}}{\*\latentstyles\lsdstimax156\lsdlockeddef0}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid811014 \rsid862776\rsid933470\rsid1009808\rsid1598413\rsid1972231\rsid2106454\rsid2193419\rsid2309175\rsid2371452\rsid2504626\rsid2506087\rsid3093853\rsid3176464\rsid3422714\rsid3810279\rsid3822112\rsid3831056\rsid4160285\rsid4329331\rsid4331392\rsid4744076 \rsid4815830\rsid4855016\rsid4866806\rsid4931203\rsid5052173\rsid5062183\rsid5117400\rsid5123780\rsid5592493\rsid5643559\rsid6060947\rsid6119804\rsid6160848\rsid6236584\rsid6514138\rsid6772884\rsid6782860\rsid6836348\rsid6953338\rsid6958679\rsid7366506 \rsid7483118\rsid7818236\rsid7958375\rsid8016262\rsid8083724\rsid8270074\rsid8421204\rsid8524331\rsid8598875\rsid8790013\rsid8866877\rsid9189166\rsid9452663\rsid9455426\rsid9776131\rsid10293276\rsid10355983\rsid10369552\rsid10634005\rsid10712439 \rsid10749241\rsid11014019\rsid11292607\rsid11355540\rsid11404427\rsid11806180\rsid11880640\rsid11928628\rsid12015529\rsid12063525\rsid12081942\rsid12211158\rsid12604364\rsid12921552\rsid12931985\rsid12983114\rsid13061233\rsid13198352\rsid14055906 \rsid14105686\rsid14108652\rsid14370017\rsid14373519\rsid14496123\rsid14510136\rsid14695321\rsid14967201\rsid15032169\rsid15159555\rsid15297671\rsid15405516\rsid15541791\rsid15560408\rsid15864576\rsid15928666\rsid15945946\rsid16592213\rsid16597937 \rsid16671932}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 11.0.5604;}{\info{\title \'93this is a quote, has said, of me saying \'91this is a quote\'92\'94}{\author raikatalau_l}{\operator raikatalau_l}{\creatim\yr2011\mo6\dy15\hr14\min6} {\revtim\yr2011\mo6\dy15\hr14\min9}{\version5}{\edmins5}{\nofpages7}{\nofwords3011}{\nofchars15149}{\*\company Pacific Legal Information Institue}{\nofcharsws18060}{\vern24689}} \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\hyphcaps0\formshade\horzdoc\dgmargin\dghspace180\dgvspace180\dghorigin1440\dgvorigin1008\dghshow1\dgvshow1 \jexpand\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\splytwnine\ftnlytwnine\htmautsp\nolnhtadjtbl\useltbaln\alntblind\lytcalctblwd\lyttblrtgr\lnbrkrule\nobrkwrptbl\snaptogridincell\allowfieldendsel\wrppunct \asianbrkrule\rsidroot6772884\newtblstyruls\nogrowautofit \fet0{\*\ftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid10369552 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\ftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid10369552 \chftnsepc \par }}{\*\aftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid10369552 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\aftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid10369552 \chftnsepc \par }}\sectd \linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\header \pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\brdrb\brdrs\brdrw15\brsp20 \tqc\tx3553\tqr\tx7293\tqr\tx8789\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14370017 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs16\insrsid8421204 \tab State v Land Transport Authority}{\fs16\insrsid8421204\charrsid933470 \tab }{\field{\*\fldinst {\cs18\fs16\insrsid8421204\charrsid12604364 PAGE }}{\fldrslt { \cs18\fs16\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid10369552 6}}}{\cs18\fs16\insrsid8421204\charrsid933470 \par }\pard \s17\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2106454 {\fs16\lang1036\langfe1033\langnp1036\insrsid2106454\charrsid4866806 ex parte Inia Tamani (HC)}{ \fs16\lang1036\langfe1033\langnp1036\insrsid8421204\charrsid4866806 \par }{\lang1036\langfe1033\langnp1036\insrsid2106454\charrsid4866806 \par }}{\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}} {\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8 \pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14373519 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 {\*\bkmkstart State_v_LTA_Inia_Tamani}STATE v LAND TRANSPORT AUTHORITY }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 ex parte: }{\caps\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 nia }{ \caps\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 amani}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14373519 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 {\*\bkmkend State_v_LTA_Inia_Tamani} \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 High Court Judicial Review Jurisdiction \par }\trowd \irow0\irowband0\lastrow \ts20\trgaph108\trleft-108\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tblrsid14373519\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol \clvertalt \clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth7128\clshdrawnil \cellx7020\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1728\clshdrawnil \cellx8748\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid15557739 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid0\langnp2057\insrsid14373519\charrsid14373519 29 June, 10 October 2000, 6 February, }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519\charrsid14373519 29 September 2001\cell HBJ 0008/00S\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 { \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519\charrsid14373519 \trowd \irow0\irowband0\lastrow \ts20\trgaph108\trleft-108\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tblrsid14373519\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth7128\clshdrawnil \cellx7020\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1728\clshdrawnil \cellx8748\row }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14373519 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 \par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14373519 \f179\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 Judicial Review - test for bias \endash whether justice seen to be done \endash when objection to constitution of tribunal should be made \endash waiver of right to object \endash Fiji Law Reform Commission Act; Section 5(1), 6; Land Transport Act 1998 \par \par Interpretation - effect of publication of Act \endash whether appointment can be made under Act not yet in force \endash Interpretation Act ss4, 24 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14373519 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 \par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14373519 \fs24\lang3081\langfe3081\cgrid\langnp3081\langfenp3081 {\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 The Applicant was the former Controller of Road Transport.}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 He challenged by judicial review a decision of the Land Transport Authority in appointing the interested party to the post of CEO.}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 He alleged bias on the part of the Authority in appointing the office-holder, that the interested party was a personal acquaintance of two members of the board, that his son is married to the daughter of another member of the board, and that the decision was based on irrelevant facts as the Authority did not carry out an objective assessment of the interested party}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 '}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 s suitability.}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 }{ \lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 The Applicant also claimed that the appointment of the CEO was null and void in light of the fact that the governing legislation had not come into force at the date of appointment. The Court rejected the latter submission in light of section 24 of the Interpretation Act. The Court found that the Applicant had not pointed to any evidence of bias, but used the phrase }{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 "}{ \lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 it seems}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 "}{\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 . \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14373519 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 Held\endash }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 (1)}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 There is no bias where Applicant is unable to point to any improper or dishonest act on the part of the tribunal, or where a member of the Authority declared his relationship to the Applicant through marriage or where the Applicant has previously served in an office together with the interested party in another capacity. Using the phrase }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 it seems}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 amounts to mere speculation and not evidence of bias, and does not give rise in the mind of a disinterested spectator, knowing the facts, that there was any likelihood or danger of bias against him by the Authority. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 (2) The Applicant must be deemed to have waived his right of objection to the membership of the tribunal by failing to object as soon as he knew the facts entitling him to the objection. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 (3) Section 24 of the Interpretation Act allows for appointments to be made under an Act upon publication even though the Act has not come into force as yet.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 The appointment of both the Authority and its CEO are therefore validated. \par \par Obiter dictum \endash there should no longer be a need for the Court to grant leave to apply for judicial review.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 JR must be as expeditious as possible so that parties will know their rights as early as possible and so that the country}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 s administrators and government should know where they stand \endash in the interests of good government. \par \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 Cases referred to in Judgment \par }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 \par }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 R v Minister for Town and Country Planning \endash Ex Parte: Montague Burton Limited & Ors}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 (1951) 1 KB 1 \par }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 Rex v Sussex, Ex Parte McCarthy}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 (1924) 1 KB 256 \par }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 Metropolitan Properties Co (F.G.C) Ltd v Lannon and Ors}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 (1969) 1 KB 577 \par }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 R v Secretary of State, Ex Parte: Kirkstall Valley}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 (1996) 3 All ER 304 \par \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 Usaia Ratuvili for the Applicant \par William Callanchini for the Respondents \par Ganga Prasad Shankar for the}{\i\caps\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 i}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 nterested }{ \i\caps\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 p}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 arty \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 \par }\trowd \irow0\irowband0\lastrow \ts20\trgaph108\trleft-108\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tblrsid14373519\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol \clvertalt \clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth2268\clshdrawnil \cellx2160\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth6588\clshdrawnil \cellx8748\pard\plain \s1\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel0\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid16657356 \b\f1\fs32\lang3081\langfe3081\kerning32\cgrid\langnp3081\langfenp3081 { \b0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\kerning0\langnp2057\insrsid14373519\charrsid14373519 29 September, 2001 \cell }\pard \s1\ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel0\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\pararsid14373519 { \b0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\kerning0\langnp2057\insrsid14373519\charrsid14373519 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\kerning0\langnp2057\insrsid14373519\charrsid14373519 JUDGMENT \cell }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid14373519\charrsid14373519 \trowd \irow0\irowband0\lastrow \ts20\trgaph108\trleft-108\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tblrsid14373519\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth2268\clshdrawnil \cellx2160\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth6588\clshdrawnil \cellx8748\row }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14373519 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 \par }\pard\plain \s1\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel0\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14373519 \b\f1\fs32\lang3081\langfe3081\kerning32\cgrid\langnp3081\langfenp3081 { \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\kerning0\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 Byrne, J \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14373519 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 On the 29th of June 2000 I granted the Applicant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 leave to apply for Judicial Review of the decision of the First Respondent (hereinafter }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 Land Transport Authority}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 ) of the 28th of October 1999 not to appoint the Applicant as Chief Executive of the Authority which instead appointed the Interested Party Manunivavalagi Korovulavula.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 The actual decision appointing Mr. Korovulavula was made on the 6th of August 1999 but the Applicant was not notified of this until the 28th of October 1999. \par \par The Applicant is a civil servant who has been employed as such for approximately 32 years and has held various positions mainly in the Department of Road Transport culminating in his being appointed Controller of Road Transport on the 1st of July 1994. He claims that as Controller he was responsible for enactment of the Transport Act, Computerization of Driver and Motor Vehicle Licence Rec ords, Training of Staff for the new organization envisaged for the Department and improvement of administrative policies and systems as well as office equipment and procedures. \par \par During 1999, the Land Transport Authority invited applications for the position of Chief Executive in January and then in July.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 It appears that an expatriate person was successful in obtaining the position of Chief Executive in January 1999 but prior to his arrival in Fiji a new government under Mr. Mahendra Chaudhary came into power.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 The Public Service Commission revoked the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 provisional}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 appointment of the successful Applicant making it clear to the Land Transport Authority that under the policy of the new government the new appointee was to be a local person. \par \par Prior to his appointment as Chief Executive Mr. Korovulavula was a Senator and served in the Senate with two members of the Land Transport Authority, Robert Dods, the Chairman and Ratu Nacanieli Uluiviti until the 8th of March 1999. \par \par Another member of the Authority, Archie Seeto is related to Mr. Korovulavula through the marriage of his daughter to Mr. Korovulavula}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 s son. \par \par The Applicant alleges that the decision of the Land Transport Authority was based on irrelevant facts, as it did not carry out an objective assessment of Mr. Korovulavula}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 s suitability for the position of Chief Executive.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 He gives three reasons why the appointment of Mr. Korovulavula should be quashed, and I quote them verbatim from Paragraph 27 of his affidavit of 20th December 1999:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6836348 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6836348\charrsid14373519 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 (a)\tab it seems that such appointment was made substantially on the basis that Manunivavalagi Korovulavula was a personal acquaintance of, among other members of the Authority, Robert Dods (Chairman) and, Nacanieli Uluiviti;}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6836348\charrsid14373519 \par }\pard\plain \s19\ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6836348 \f29\fs24\lang1033\langfe3081\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp3081 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\langfenp1033\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 (b) \tab }{\f0\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 it seems that such appointment was made substantially on the basis that Manunivavalagi Korovulavula was related to Archie Seeto, a member of the Transport Authority, in that a son of Manunivavalagi Korovulavula is married to a daughter of Archie Seeto; and}{ \f0\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid6772884 \par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid6836348\charrsid14373519 \par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 (c) \tab it seems that the decisio n of the Land Transport Authority was based on irrelevant facts, as it would appear that the Authority did not at all carry out an objective assessment of my own suitability for the position of Chief Executive.}{ \f0\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 "}{\f0\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14373519 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 \par Four Applicants including Mr. Tamani and Mr. Korovulavula were short-listed and interviewed by all seven members of the Land Transport Authority.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 The Applicant does not allege that the other four members had any prior connection either by marriage or serving in the Senate with Mr. Korovulavula. \par \par Each of the Applicants was asked a number of questions relating to his suitability for the position and each Applicant was marked in accordance with a scale designed to determine suitability for the position. \par \par In the allocation of marks Mr. Korovulavula scored the highest number and the Applicant the lowest.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 His marks were 60 below those of Mr. Korovulavula. \par \par The Applicant argues two principal grounds on which he says he should be granted Judicial Review.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 The first is that the decision of the Authority in appointing Mr. Korovulavula as Chief Executive was illegal in that the Land Transport Authority did not have statutory power to make such decision.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 } {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 He alleges that the date on which the appointment of members of the Authority was made was the 30th of November 1998 and that for the Chief Executive, the 26th of October 1999.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 The Applicant says that on those two dates the relevant parts of the Act had not come into effect and did not come into effect until 6th December 1999. \par \par I cannot accept this submission because it ignores what in my opinion is the clear effect of Section 24 of the Interpretation Act which is as follows: \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14373519 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 Where an Act is not to come into operation immediately on the publication thereof and confers powers to make any appointment, to make any subsidiary legislation, to prescribe forms or to do any other things for the purposes of the Act, such powers may, unless a contrary intention appears, be exercised at any time after the publication of the Act, but so, h o wever, that any subsidiary legislation or any instrument made in exercise of such power shall not, unless a contrary intention appears in the Act or the contrary is necessary for bringing the Act into operation, come into operation until the Act comes int o operation.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14373519 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 \par The reference in {\*\bkmkstart s24_Interpret_Act_State_v_LTA_exp_Tamani}Section 24 {\*\bkmkend s24_Interpret_Act_State_v_LTA_exp_Tamani}to publication is to the act of publication required by {\*\bkmkstart s4_Interpret_Act_State_v_LTA_exp_Tamani} Section 4 {\*\bkmkend s4_Interpret_Act_State_v_LTA_exp_Tamani}of the Interpretation Act Cap. 7 which states that an Enactment Act shall be published in the gazette, shall be a public Act and shall be judicially noticed. \par \par The {\*\bkmkstart Land_Transport_State_v_LTA_exp_Tamani}Land Transport Act {\*\bkmkend Land_Transport_State_v_LTA_exp_Tamani}1998 was published by reference to its long title in the Fiji Islands Government Gazette No. 72 dated Friday 30th November 1998. \par \par In }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 {\*\bkmkstart R_v_Minister_TCP_State_v_LTA_exp_Tamani}R. v Minister for Town and Country Planning - Ex-parte: Montague Burton Limited & Others}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 {\*\bkmkend R_v_Minister_TCP_State_v_LTA_exp_Tamani}(1951) 1 KB 1 at page 6 Tucker L.J. made the following comments in relation to the corresponding section of the English Interpretation Act 1889}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 : \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14373519 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 I think that it clearly gi ves power to take the necessary steps to set up the machinery for bringing the Act into operation as well as for doing such an act as appointing a day for the Act to come into operation ... so that the necessary machinery will function as soon as the new Act comes into operation and things shall not come to a standstill by reason of the repeal of the existing Act.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14373519 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 \par In my judgment the words in Section 24 mean simply the taking of such steps as would be required to enable the Act to operate effectively and this must include the appointment of both the Authority and its Chief Executive. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 \par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 Bias}{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6836348\charrsid14373519 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 The Interested Party has given the Court a 73-page submission which canvasses all the issues in this case with commendable thoroughness but, perhaps I may be pardoned for saying, also a considerable degree of repetition particularly concerning the question of bias the law on which I consider is now well settled. \par \par Where bias is alleged, to quote Lord Hewart C.J.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 s oft-repeated saying in }{ \b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 {\*\bkmkstart Rex_v_Sussex_State_v_LTA_exp_Tamani}Rex v Sussex, Ex parte McCarthy}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 {\*\bkmkend Rex_v_Sussex_State_v_LTA_exp_Tamani}(1924) 1 KB 256, 259: \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14373519 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 It is not merely of some importance, but is of fundamental importance that justice should not only be done, but should manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14373519 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 \par As Bernard Shaw said in }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 Man and Superman}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 , }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 The devil himself knoweth not the mind of man}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 so it is impossible to say whether, even unconsciously, the minds of certain members of a tribunal may be inf luenced because of some past association they have had.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 In this area therefore, the law must always proceed with great caution, or in the words of the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 Latin}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 proverb, }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 '}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 Festina Lente}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 - hasten slowly - so that as far as is reasonably possible justice is seen to be done in each case.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 To decide this the Courts ask themselves the question Lord Denning M.R. posed in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 {\*\bkmkstart Metropolitan_v_Lannon_State_v_LTA_Tamani}Metropolitan Properties Co. (F.G.C.) Ltd. v Lannon and Others{\*\bkmkend Metropolitan_v_Lannon_State_v_LTA_Tamani} }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 (1969) 1 KB 577 at p.599: \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6836348 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 In considering whether there was a real likelihood of bias, the court does not look at the mind of the justice himself or at the mind of the chairman of the tribunal, or whoever it may be, who sits in a judicial capacity.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 It does no t look to see if there was a real likelihood that he would, or did, in fact favour one side at the expense of the other. The court looks at the impression which would be given to other people.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 Even if he was as impartial as could be, nevertheless if right -minded persons would think that, in the circumstances, there was a real likelihood of bias on his part, then he should not sit.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14373519 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 In the years since Lord Denning said that there have been numerous cases in the reports both of judgments at first instance a nd on appeal to the highest courts in England, Australia and New Zealand virtually all endorsing this test.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 Some times a distinction has been drawn between administrative and judicial or quasi-judicial tribunals, the question of fairness or natural justice being said not to apply to the former type of tribunal but only to the latter two. \par \par In }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 {\*\bkmkstart R_v_Sec_State_State_v_LTA_exp_Tamani}R. v Secretary of State, Ex-parte: Kirkstall Valle{\*\bkmkend R_v_Sec_State_State_v_LTA_exp_Tamani}y}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 (1996) 3 All ER 304 at 321 Sedley J. said that the principle could now be stated as this: \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14373519 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 That the decision of a body, albeit composed of disinterested individuals, will be struck down if its o utcome has been predetermined whether by the adoption of an inflexible policy or by the effective surrender of the body}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 s independent judgment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14373519 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 \par I take this statement to be the law in Fiji and applying it to the facts of this case in my judgment the Applicant has failed to prove any likelihood of bias by the members of the tribunal which appointed Mr. Korovulavula.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 Earlier on page 2 I stated three reasons given by the Applicant for seeking Judicial Review of the decision not to appoint him. \par \par It must be obvious that the Applicant does not give any evidence of bias by the Land Transport Authority but uses the phrase }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 it seems}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 In my view this is mere speculation and could not give rise in the mind of the disinterested spectator, knowing the facts, that th ere was any likelihood or danger of bias against him by the Authority. \par \par The Applicant is unable to point to any improper or dishonest act on the part of Mr. Archie Seeto who announced his relationship by marriage with Mr. Korovulavula before the Applicant was interviewed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 In my judgment that of itself was not sufficient to require Mr. Seeto to disqualify himself.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 If the Applicant had thought it did then he should have objected to it at the time and not until after the Authority had given its decision.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 L ikewise the mere fact that the two Senators were in the Fiji Senate about the same time could not possibly in my view be enough to show the real likelihood of bias by them in favour of Mr. Korovulavula. \par \par In Wade on Administrative Law, 6th Edition, p.482 the author says: \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10369552 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 The right to object to a disqualified adjudicator may be waived, and this may be so even where the disqualification is statutory.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 The Court normally insists that the objection shall be taken as soon as the party prejudiced knows the facts which entitle him to object. If, after he or his advisers know of the disqualification they let the proceedings continue without protest, they are held to have waived their objection and the determination cannot be challenged.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14373519 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 \par I consider that the Applicant here must be deemed to have waived his right of objection to the membership of the tribunal but even if I am wrong in this, the fact remains that the members were unanimous in reaching their decision that the Applicant should not be appointed. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 Any bod y having to determine the suitability of a particular person for appointment for a position is entitled to assess the ability of the persons being interviewed to effectively communicate orally through the interview process and attach as much weight as it considers appropriate in comparison with an interviewee}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 s ability to communicating effectively in writing through an assessment of the written applications.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 I am therefore of the opinion that the Applicant has failed to show any bias real or apparent by th e Authority in appointing Mr. Korovulavula so that for this reason and the other I have given at the beginning of this judgment I dismiss the application for Judicial Review.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 There will be no order for costs. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 This case provides yet another illustration o f the view I have expressed frequently during at least the last six years that applications for leave to apply for Judicial Review in Fiji should no longer be necessary.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 I am aware that two other Judges of this Court do not share my view but I am also awa re that Mr. Justice Ian Thompson of the Court of Appeal does share it and has delivered a paper supporting my view.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 Put simply, I consider leave applications should be no longer necessary to enable the Court to address the substance of an application for Judicial Review at the very beginning.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 It is vital, as has been said time and again, that Judicial Review must be as expeditious as possible so that parties will know their rights as early as possible and so that the country} {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 s administrators and governmen t should know where they stand as early as possible where a decision of a tribunal or other authority has been questioned.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 This is in the interest of good government. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 I am surprised that the Fiji Law Reform Commission has not been more active in this area.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 Under {\*\bkmkstart s5_1_Fiji_Law_Ref_State_v_LTA_exp_Tamani}Section 5(1) {\*\bkmkend s5_1_Fiji_Law_Ref_State_v_LTA_exp_Tamani} of the Fiji Law Reform Act Cap. 26 sub-paragraph (f) one of the functions of the Commission is }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 the adoption of new or more effective and economical methods for the administration of the law and the dispensation of justice; and (g) generally the simplification, improvement and modernisation of the law, and, subject to {\*\bkmkstart s6_Fiji_Law_Refor_State_v_LTA_exp_Tamani}section 6{\*\bkmkend s6_Fiji_Law_Refor_State_v_LTA_exp_Tamani}, the Commission may in these respects act of its own volition}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 . \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 If the Law Reform Commission is not prepared to act in this regard then I earnestly suggest that the new Attorney-General with his considerable experience may see fit to introduce legislation in the new Parliament to amend the law as I have suggested.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 It seems to me that this is one area of the law in which Fiji has almost slavishly followed the English practice without regard to the longer time applications for review take here compared wit h those in England where speedy hearings are the rule almost invariably.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 Australia had no qualms about abolishing Judicial Review nearly twenty years ago.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 In my respectful opinion the time is more than ripe for Fiji to at least take this very necessary step. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 Short of creating administrative tribunals such as exist now in Australia and appreciating the expense which this would involve I suggest at least as a first step that it may be feasible to allow the Permanent Arbitrator to deal with applications.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 This would relieve the High Court of a considerable portion of its workload so that more time could be given by Judges to the hearing of other cases.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 My preference is however simply to abolish applications for leave.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14373519 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 I am confident the results would be beneficial. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\langfenp3081\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 \par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14373519 \f179\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 Application for judicial review dismissed. \par }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14373519 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6772884\charrsid14373519 Mereseini Rakuita Vuniwaqa }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1972231\charrsid14373519 \par }}