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\rsid12324354\rsid12346864\rsid12526241\rsid12600272\rsid12667701\rsid12729672\rsid12789219\rsid12930780\rsid13050743\rsid13051083\rsid13319614\rsid13371399\rsid13579558\rsid13763436\rsid14179436\rsid14287199\rsid14287378\rsid14421139\rsid14549808 \rsid14577018\rsid15090933\rsid15351547\rsid15355582\rsid15761241\rsid15868272\rsid15887800\rsid15991941\rsid16328580\rsid16385540\rsid16584878}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.6850;}{\info{\title N THE S=AE COUNT OF FIJI (WESTERN DIVISION) AT LAUTOKA} {\author warren_j}{\operator maltungtung_l}{\creatim\yr2008\mo12\dy19\hr10\min27}{\revtim\yr2009\mo3\dy11\hr15\min22}{\version88}{\edmins508}{\nofpages3}{\nofwords2368}{\nofchars13501}{\*\company USP}{\nofcharsws15838}{\vern16393}{\*\password 00000000}} {\*\xmlnstbl }\paperw11678\paperh16598\margl0\margr0\margt0\margb0\gutter0 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\grfdocevents0\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\hyphcaps0\formshade\horzdoc\dghspace0\dgvspace0\dghorigin0\dgvorigin0\dghshow0 \dgvshow0\jexpand\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot12789219 \fet0{\*\wgrffmtfilter 013f}\sectd \linex0\headery360\footery360\endnhere\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid1722860\sftnbj {\*\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\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2767153 \fs20\cf1\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 { \b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2184664\charrsid2767153 I}{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid2767153 N THE S}{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2565702\charrsid2767153 UPREME COUR}{ \b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid2767153 T OF FIJI}{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2565702\charrsid2767153 \par }{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid2767153 (WESTERN DIVISION)}{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2565702\charrsid2767153 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7474188 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid2767153 AT LAUTOKA}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2565702\charrsid12789219 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2767153 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7474188 APPELLATE JURISDICTION}{ \b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2565702\charrsid7474188 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7474188 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7474188 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2767153 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2565702 Criminal App}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 eal No. 83 of 1977}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11607035 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2565702\charrsid12789219 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2767153 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2565702 BETWE}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1722860 EN}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2565702 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11607035 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2565702 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2767153 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid2767153 SHARPHU DIN }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid1722860 alias}{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid2767153 ABDUL }{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2565702\charrsid2767153 RAZAK}{ \b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid2767153 \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7474188 s}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 /o Karmu Din}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2565702 \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11742071 Appellant}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11607035 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2565702\charrsid12789219 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2767153 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2184664 AN}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 D}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11607035 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2565702\charrsid2767153 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2767153 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2184664\charrsid2767153 REGINAM \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2184664 Respondent \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12789219 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2184664\charrsid12789219 \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2565702 M}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 r. J.R. Reddy & }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2565702 M}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 r. S.R. Shan}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7474188 kar, Counsels for the Appellant}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2565702 \par M}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 r. Ikbal Khan, Counsel for the Respondent \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2565702 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8069170 JUDG}{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2565702\charrsid2184664 MENT \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11285156 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2565702\charrsid12789219 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12789219 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 The appellant was charged at Ba Magistrates' Court on two Counts of forgery and two of uttering forged }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2565702\charrsid12789219 documents}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 . The }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2565702\charrsid12789219 allegations}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 were that he forged an application for consent to a transfer in respect of C/T 6159 from Abdul Rafiq his deceased brother to himself, that he uttered that forged application with intent to defraud, and that he forged a transfer o f Crown Lease 132934 from Abdul Rafiq to himself and that he uttered that transfer with intent to defraud. He wa}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2565702 s acquitted on the two counts re}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10767473 lating to the}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 transfer and of the charge of forging the application for consent but was convicted of uttering th e forged application for consent. The basis of his defence was that the lease which the prosecution alleged to be in the name of his deceased}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2565702 }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 brother Abdul Rafiq was indeed in the name of his elder brother Abdul}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2565702 }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7474188 Shaheed }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2565702 a}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 nd he produced evidence to show that}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2565702 Abdul }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5597802 Shaheed }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 was known as Abdul Rafiq. The original }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2565702 not}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 ice of appeal was laid}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2565702 }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 upon ten grounds, and was a masterpiece of obscurity. In additio}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1722860 n the day before the hearing of}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 the appeal the appella}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2565702 n}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 t's solicitor filed a n affidavit alleging that the magistrate had made a certain observation. I wa}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2565702 nt to make it quite clear that I}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 am not prepared to look at any attempt to supplement the record by affidavit unless the affidavit has been shown both to the oppos}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2565702 ing side and to the magistrate.}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 In this}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2565702 }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 case there was neit}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2565702 h}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15351547 er. Before the hearing th}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 e appellant instructed senior counsel, who amended the notice of appeal by compressing it to three grounds. First he said that the verdict was unreas}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15351547 onable in that the appellant's e}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 ldest brother was also known as Abdul Rafiq, that during the deceased's lifetime the elder brother had given a mortgage}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15351547 ov }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 er the Crown Lea}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7474188 se in question to the Bank of Ne}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 w South Wales, that}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15351547 }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 deceased had not duri}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15351547 ng}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 his }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16584878 life time claimed }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 the l}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16584878 ease to be his, and had }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 permitted his elder brother and the appellant to build a substantial building on it, and that dec}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14549808 eased's w}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 ife gave}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6778564 conflicting evidence}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7881150 as }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 to}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6778564 }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 whether deceased was known as }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6778564 A}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 bdul Rafiq. Then the appellant complained that the Magistrate in co}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15761241 mmen}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 ting upon the absence of the appellant's elder brother from the witness box, had cast upon th}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15761241 e appellant }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15355582 a burden of proof }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 which the prosecutio}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8849279 n should rightly have}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15355582 borne, a}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 nd finall}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15355582 y }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 it }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15355582 was said }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 that the sentence of fifteen months' }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15355582 imprisonment was too severe.}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5394192 \par \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 The story unfolded was indeed a curious one. It started off}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5394192 with Abdul Rafiq son of Karmudin of Tavua a}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 pplying for a lease of land}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5394192 in Tavua town}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 on 15th December 1971. Apparently the land had b}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5394192 e}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 en advertised and Abdul R}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5394192 a}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 fiq applied for 'a }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5394192 residential A Crown }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 lease lot 21}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5394192 }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 or any other}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9508571 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 . He said that he was 26 years of age and}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid20816 was}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 married t}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid20816 o}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid20816 one Hussain Bano}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 f/n Gina }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid20816 a}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 nd was in permanent occupation as a ta}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid20816 ilor employed by H. Billimoria &}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 Co. The }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid20816 signature}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid20816 on that application }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 was written in print script, "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid20816 ABD}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 UL R}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid20816 AFIQ"}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 and was}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid20816 w}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 itnessed by }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid20816 A}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 bhay Si}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid20816 n}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 gh, who gave evidence at the trial and said that he knew appellant and his}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12220565 brother the deceased. H}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 e also knew another elder brother whom }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12220565 he re}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 ferred }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12220565 to as }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 to as 'Baraka', but could not remember his being called Rafiq. He testified that }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12729672 h}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 e completed the application at the behest of the deceased}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12729672 }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 and th}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12729672 a}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 t the deceased signed his name in his ( }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12729672 A}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 bhay S}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12729672 i}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 ngh's presence).}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12729672 }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 He said that }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7015121 he}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 also made an application on behalf of the accused for a block of this land. The upshot of the dec}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12729672 eased'}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 s application was t}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12729672 h}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 at on}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12729672 }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 17th October 1}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12729672 9}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 72 a letter of approval was issu}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12729672 e}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 d to Abd}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12729672 u}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 l Rafiq f/n Karmudin for a lease of lot 37 Tavua Subdivision containing 32 perches for 99 years from 1st September 1972. The rent was }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12729672 $28.}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 75 per annum and $8.50 was paid for stamp duty. That approval was }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12729672\charrsid12789219 apparently}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 delivered to }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12729672 s}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 omeone}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12729672 w}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 ho said he was Abdul }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12729672 Rafiq because}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 the}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12729672 re}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 is a thumb }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12729672 m}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 ark purporting to be that of}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12729672 A}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 bdul Rafiq, acknowledging it}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12729672 .}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 The}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12729672 }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 next}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12729672 }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 thing that happened w}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12729672 a}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 s that the lease became available. The lease }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12729672 h}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 as been signed "Abdul Rafiq" in English in flowing script, but since}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5007960 }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 only a Photostat of the lease }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5007960 wa}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 s put in evidence, it was rejected by the learned magistrate.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5007960 }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 That lease was sent for registration and when it returned, registered as }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10713033 N}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 o. 132934 the Lands Office at Lautoka wrote to Abdul Rafiq on 2nd July 1974}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7893905 , and someone who signed}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 'Abdul Rafiq' }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7893905 i}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 n English written script }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7893905 collected it on 6th August 1974. A year or }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 so later when enquiries began to be m}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4008838 ade, the leases clerk at Lautoka w}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 ho delivered the lease obtained from the accused an acknowledgment}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4008838 }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 that it was he who had both signed the lease and also collected it from }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4008838 the le}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 ases clerk. On 17th October 1975 accused brought to the leases}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4008838 office at Lautoka}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 an application for transfer of this lease 132934, from }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4008838 Abdul Rafiq}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15991941 to Abdul Razak, who is the appellant himself. He said that he was Abdul Ra}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid280885 fiq}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4008838 }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16328580 and the application was signed by both Abdul Rafiq and Abdul }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 Razak. He also had the form of transfer, but t}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16328580 ha}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 t w}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16328580 a}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 s not pro}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14287199 perly witnessed. }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 The leases clerk had his suspicions aroused because }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15991941 the signature}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13051083 s of transferor and transferee on the form of application for consent were very much alike, but only the signature of the app} {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2446874 ell}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13051083 ant as transferee had been witnessed}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15991941 . }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3148945 H e sent the documents away for the signature of the transferor to be witnessed. The documents were brought back a few days later witnessed by a solicitor called Chandar Datt but they were not accepted }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12600272 before}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3148945 the solicitor }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 had seen Brijlal, the officer }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8923248 in charge. }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 It s}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8923248 ee}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 ms that Brijlal'}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8923248 s}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 evidence could not b}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8923248 e}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 given because}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8923248 }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15868272 he}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8923248 was n}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 ot served with a subpoena in sufficient time, and the solicitor}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8923248 has left }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 the country. }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8923248 N}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 or was the transfer produced. The absence of}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8923248 the tran}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 sfer meant that a}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8923248 t the close of the prosecution c}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 ase the Court}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8923248 held}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8923248 that }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 there was no case to answer so far as the allegation of forgery}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8923248 and utter}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 ing of the transfer was concerned.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219 \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8923248\charrsid12789219 \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 The deceased's widow Hussain Bano gave evidence that her husband }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10552323 was Mohammed }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 Rafiq who was also known as Abdul Rafiq. His birth,}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10552323 marriage and death }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 certificates all showed him as }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10552323 Mohammed }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219\charrsid12789219 Rafiq. She }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10552323 said that she did not find out about his application for land in Tavua until after his death on 5th August, 1975, which is th}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2389992 e} {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10552323 date shown on the death certificate of Mohammed R}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2389992 a}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10552323 fiq f/n Karmudin produced in Court. There is no doubt that deceased Mohammed R}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7894106 a}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10552323 fiq is one and the same person as Abdul Rafiq who applied for land in Tavua on 15th December 1971. The correspondence of the names of his wife in the marriage and death certificates and the application form leave me in no doubt as to this. She told the Court that after her husband's death the appellant w}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179436 ant}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8199890 ed}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179436 to marry her to his brother}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8199890 -}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10552323 in-law called Mansur}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11226936 and offered her a dowry of $20 00, but her parents refused. A police officer also gave evidence of an interview with the accused wherein the accused alleged that his brother Abdul Shaheed had applied for land in Tavua under the name of A}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4985870 b}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11226936 dul Rafi}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14179436 q, but that his deceased brothe}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11226936 r was known as Mohammed Rafiq and not as Abdul Rafiq. He was given a block and then built a house on it costing $20,000 for which he raised}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5789778 $8,000 from the Bank of New South Wales. He denied that the land was given to the deceased brother. He stated that b oth he and his elder brother had signed the application for consent and the transfer in front of the solicitor Chandar Datt. The police officer also said that he interviewed accused's elder brother at Lautoka but he would say nothing}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11948468 .}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12789219 \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11948468 \par When the trial pro}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11618554 ce eded on the two counts relating to the application for consent the application gave evidence. He said that he had applied for land in Tavua town, and that Abdul Rafiq also applied, but he did not know about Mohammed Rafiq}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2170822 . I think by this he quite clearly means that his elder brother applied but not the deceased, because the appellant said that he also applied in deceased's wife}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8199890 's}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2170822 name. Later he learned that Abdul Rafiq had been successful. He took that to be his elder brother. He acknowledged that deceased 's thumb print was on the approval notice. He said that he and his elder brother gave a mort}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2772382 g}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2170822 age to the Bank, his elder brother signing the mortgage over the Tavua land and he himself signing as guarantor and giving his own land as collateral security by way of mortgage and crop lien}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2772382 . He insisted that the land was given to his elder brother and not to the deceased, and he denied that he had got together with his elder brother to defraud his deceased brother's estate. He admitted that he had gone to Lautoka and signed the lease in Lautoka, but said that he had not noticed it was made out to Abdul Rafiq.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11948468 \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2772382 \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3495664 The learned magistrate rejected the accused's contention that the approval notice and lease were granted to accused's elder brother and held that when he signed the}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid157831 lease and the receipt therefor}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3495664 he conducted himself in such a way that the clerk believe him to be Abdul Rafiq. He found that the accused knew the land had been allocated to hi}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16385540 s deceased brother and not to}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3495664 his elder brother. He held that the application for consent was not signed by the deceased and that accused knew it should have been signed by the deceased and that the signature "Abdul Rafiq" }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12930780 was forged in that it was meant to represent the signature of his deceased brother, and t hat his intention in presenting it was to obtain a transfer of the land to himself to defraud his deceased brother's estate. The leaned magistrate therefore found accused guilty of uttering although he held that there was no sufficient evidence to show th at he had made a false document.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2772382 \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12930780 \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1717443 I come now, after that long recital to the grounds of appeal as }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1717443\charrsid3106615 argued by Mr.}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid157831 Reddy}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3106615 . Mr. Reddy's}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1717443 first point is that the lease was signed by accused with the elder brother's permission, and of course that was a matter which was unresolved because the elder brother was not called. He also pointed to the }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid157831 evidence of the }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1717443 bank clerk who witnessed the signatures of ac}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid157831 cused and his elder brother on }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1717443 2nd June, 1975.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4803843 The elder brother signed as Ab}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4985870 d}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4803843 ul Rafiq. That was two months before deceased's death, and he says that it is quite inconceivable that deceased did not know what was happening. He submits that there is no intent to }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346864 defraud because ever}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15887800 y}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346864 one acted upon the premise that the land belonged to the elder brother. Mr. Ikbal Khan c ounters that by saying that the evidence of fraudulent intent lies in the transfer of the land to accused after the death of his younger brother the deceased. It is perfectly clear as I have stated earlier that the application for land was made in the nam e of the deceased Mohammed Rafiq who gave his name as Abdul Rafiq. The appellant in hi}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15887800 s statement to the police states}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346864 that his elder brother applied}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1722860 for land}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12346864 , but the deceased Mohammed Rafiq did not , and he said that his elder brother got }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314776 a lease of}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4790736 lot }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314776 37, and that he the appellant built a house on it. He }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5463938 said,}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5314776 moreover it was a false allegation that his deceased brother got the land.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid417002 In his }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5463938 evidence in court he said that his deceased brother was weakly and illiterate, and he said that when the land was opened up, he the appellant applied in the deceased's }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5463938\charrsid13050743 wife}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13050743 's}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5463938 name. He said that his elder brother also applied. He did admit, however, that deceased received the approval and signed for it by affixing his thumbmark.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15887800 }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5463938 Now it may be perfectly true that this was regarded as family land by the accused and his brothers. Unfortunately for them, the deceased brother's wife attained an interest in it by virtue of the death of her husband, and }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13763436 u}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5463938 nfortunately for the accused his attempt to get into his own name did no t begin until after the death of his brother. It is that attempt to get his brother's land into his own name which in my view provides}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6172193 the evidence of fraudulent intent. The learned magistrate found that accused knew that the application for consent should have been signed by his late brother, or since he was dead by his personal representative. I think there is evidence to support that finding, in that there is evidence that accused knew the land had been allocated to and belonged to his deceased brother, If he knew that , he knew also that he was not entitled }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12143750 to act as he did in connection with the land. Even if, as Mr. Reddy says, the accused's family had been wont to look on this as family land, the position had changed with the death of the brother. I t hink also that the evidence of Hussain Bano that the accused wanted }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8065405 her to marry his brother-in-}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12143750 law and offered a dowry of $2,000 lends some countenance to }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8065405 t}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12143750 his intent.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12930780 \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12143750 \par As to the calling of the accused's elder brother, Mr. Reddy suggests that his presence was necessary for the prosecution case, because of the allegation that the elder brother had dealt with the lease as if it were his property. The evidence of Inspector Salikram shows that the accused's elder brother was invited to give a statement to the police but refused to do so. It was probabl}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13319614 y not to be expected that he }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14421139 would be any more helpful if he were giving evidence under subpoena. Perhaps the answer may be that he also should have been charged.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8065405 }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14421139 Apparently the appellant did not see fi}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12526241 t}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14421139 to call him, so that no inference should be drawn from his absence on one side or the other. Mr. Reddy submits that the magistrate placed a burden of proof upon the appellant and he supports his submission by referring to two of the passages in which the learned magistrate refers to the absence of the appellant's elder brother. The first passage occurs in the early part of the judgment where the learned magistrate said "}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11411140 The accused gave evidence on oath and called one witness in support. He did not call his elder brother Abdul Shaheed of Lautoka." That }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8065405 is all. The other passage was "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11411140 I reject the accused's contention that the approval notice and lease were granted to his brother Abdu l Shaheed of Lautoka. The brother has not given evidence to that effect\'85\'85\'85." The learned magistrate then goes on to explain why he rejected the appellant's contention above mentioned. There is however one other passage about }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid270176 the appellant's elder brother. It occurs in the penultimate paragraph of the judgement." Because it is possible that Abdul Shaheed did sign the document I must acquit the accused upon the count of forgery. I need hardly comment that such a course might not have been necessary i}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid270176\charrsid882051 f}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid882051 the }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid270176 police had called the elder brother to give evidence\'85\'85\'85 .." I do not think that the first two passages quoted put any burden upon the }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid270176\charrsid2453513 appellant, but even if there were any suspicion of that, it is surely set at rest by the third passage, which places squarely upon the prosecution the duty of calling the elder brother.}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10707736\charrsid2453513 I have considered the evidence of the bank officer who witnessed the signature of accused's elder brother to the mortgage. In my view it does not take the position}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10707736 }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8354779 any }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2126620 further. It is}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8354779 , I think, self-serving evidence}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10231216 .}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12143750 \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10231216 \par I turn now to the question of sentence. This is a misdemeanour and the offender is liable to imprisonment for two years. The magistrate sentenced the appellant to fifteen months' imprisonment. Mr. Reddy submitted that I s hould bear in mind that appellant will in effect be fined $20,000 as he will doubtless be faced with a civil action by his deceased brother's personal representatives. That may be or may not be so, but I think it is not a matter that I should take into ac c ount. I think that this was an attempt by the accused by means outside the law to deprive his deceased brother's personal representatives of something they were entitled to, and the sentence will stand. The appeal will be dismissed, both as to conviction and sentence. \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid270176 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid659786 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12324354\charrsid659786 (Sgd.) K.A. Stuart}{ \b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid270176\charrsid659786 \par }{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12324354\charrsid659786 JUDGE}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12324354 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12789219 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12324354 \par LAUTOKA, \par 17th October, 1977.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14421139\charrsid12789219 \par }}