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{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15159425 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743873\charrsid15159425 SUPREME 
COURT OF FIJI
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15159425\charrsid15159425 Appellate Jurisdiction
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15159425 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15159425 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15159425 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743873\charrsid15159425 Criminal Appeal No. 20 of 1978
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15159425 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15159425 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15159425 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743873\charrsid15159425 Between:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15159425 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15159425 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15159425 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743873\charrsid15159425 1. LILADHAR PALA}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743873\charrsid15159425 
 s/o Bhanji Pala
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743873\charrsid15159425 2. RAM}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15159425\charrsid15159425 ANLAL PALA}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15159425  s/o Girdhar Lal Pala
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743873\charrsid15159425 3. DHIRAJ LAL PALA}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743873\charrsid15159425  s/o Mohan Lal Pala
\par Trading as Pala Brothers)
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15159425 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15159425 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15159425 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743873\charrsid15159425 and
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15159425 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15159425 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15159425 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743873\charrsid15159425 REGINAM
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15159425 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15159425 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15159425 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743873\charrsid15159425 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15159425 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15159425 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743873\charrsid15159425 On the 7th February 1978 at Suva Magistrates Court appellants were convicted after trial of exhibiting a film approved by the censor, contrary to section 9(1) and}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15159425  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743873\charrsid15159425 
section 20(1)(a) of the Cinematographic Films Act 1971 hereinafter called the Act), the particulars of offence being the appellant
s on the 2nd August 1977 exhibited certain of a film titled "Confessions of a Driving Instructor" had not been approved by the censor.
\par 
\par The re}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15159425 levant portions of the Act are:-}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743873 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15159425\charrsid15159425 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15159425 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743873\charrsid15159425 Section 4.(1) "... no person shall exhibit, or cause or 
permit or suffer to be exhibited, any film unless he as the holder of a licence, hereinafter referred to as an exhibitor's licence, issued under the provisions of this section and valid in respect of 
the exhibition of such film at the premises specified in such licence."
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15159425 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15159425 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15159425 Sec}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 
tion 9.(1) "No person shall exhibit any film ... }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15159425 unl}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 ess and until such film has been approved by the }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15159425 cens}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 or for public exhibition.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15159425 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15159425 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15159425 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15159425 Section 11.(1) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 
"The censor may require any film in }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15159425 re}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 spect of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 which }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 his approval is sought under the provisions of this Part of this Act to be exhibited before him for t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15159425 
he purpose of censorship, ... "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15159425 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15159425\charrsid15159425 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3423009 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 Section 12.(1) "Without unreasonable delay, the censor shall, in respect of any film for }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 which }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 his approval is sought under the provisions of this Part of this Act, either -
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15159425 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15159425 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3423009 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 (a) approve the film for public exhibition; or
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3423009 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15159425 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3423009 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009 (b) refuse to approve the film f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 
or public exhibition, either unconditionally, or until such alterations or excisions as he may specify have been made to the film}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009 :"}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15159425 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15159425 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3423009 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 Section 20.(1)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 "Any person who -
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15159425 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15159425 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3423009 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 
(a) exhibits, or causes or permits or suffers to be exhibited, any film in contravention of any of the provisions of this Part of this Act }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009 \'85}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15159425 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15159425 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3423009 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 
shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding two hundred dollars in respect of each offence."
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15159425 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15159425 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 It is common ground that the appellants own a cinema and hold an exhibitor's licence, that on the 27th June 1977 for the purpose of censorship the then Chief Censor, together}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 with a film censor named Mrs. Barrett (hereinafter called}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 the censor), viewed a film entitled "Confessions of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 a Driving Instructor" }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 (hereinafter called the film), that it was approved for public exhibition by the appellants, and that subsequently the film vas publicly screened on a number of occasion
s at the cinema owned by the appellants.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009\charrsid15159425 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 
The prosecution of the appellants arose from the fact that on the 2nd August 1977 as a result of complaints from the public the censor attended a public screening of the film and, according to her testi}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009 m}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 on}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009 y}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 
, observed that it contained nude sex scenes which had not been screened when she viewed the film on the 27}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009 th June, and which had}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 
 not been, and would not have been, approved}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 for public exhibition.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 In particular, she described in evidence one scene in which a woman undressed and lay naked}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 on top of a man, another in which a man unbuttoned a woman's blouse }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009 and}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425  fully exposed her naked breasts, and another in which a man lay on }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009 t}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 op of a naked woman.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009\charrsid15159425 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 T}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009 h}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 e censor's assertion that no nude sex sc
enes had been included in the private screening on the 27th June was corroborated by }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 e evidence of the Chief Censor.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009\charrsid15159425 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 At the trial, d}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009 e}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 
fence counsel appeared to adopt two conflicting approaches. On the one ha}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009 n}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 d, in cross}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 examination of the censor,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 defence counsel}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 alleged that in}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 
asserting that the scenes she saw on the 2nd August had not been screened on the 27th June she was trying to save face, and in submissions to the trial Magistrate defence counsel elaborated on this approach, contending that the film shewn on the 2nd Augus
t was in all respects identical to that screened on the 27th June, and that because of public complaints the censor was tryin}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009 g to save face before the Film B}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 oard and trying to save her own skin by maintaining otherwise. That is to say, the censor was delibe
rately lying when she testified that the scenes she saw on the 2nd August had not been screened on the 27th June. On the other hand, defence counsel also submitted to the trial Magistrate that the scenes which the censor described as having been shewn on 
the 2nd August had come out of her own imagination, which had run amok, and which had invented non-existent nude sexual scenes only hinted at in the film.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009\charrsid15159425 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 However the appellants, when put on their defence, called no affirmative evidence whatsoever in support of either of these allegations. The second appellant apparently did}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 not see the screenings on the 27th June or the 2nd August, his testimony being concerned with the usual procedures adopted }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 and the difficulties involved }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 in making cuts to films and re-in
serting edited portions, and amounting to a general denial that portions of a film not shewn to a censor would be shewn to the public. The third appellant had never seen any screenings of the film in question and his testimony}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 amounted to little more than a general denial of the charge. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009 The }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 remaining evidence for the defence was that of a witness (hereinafter called the third defence witness) who went to a public screening of 
the film in July 1977, on which occasion he did not see any nude sexual scenes; and the evidence of three character witnesses.
\par 
\par The defence introduced into the trial a considerable amount of irrelevant material to which I do not propose to refer.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009\charrsid15159425 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 The appellants have appealed against conviction on seven grounds.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3423009 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 1.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 That the learned trial Magistrate misdirected himself on the onus of proof in holding that the defence had not established that the censor "changed her 
mind or had it altered for her and was using the extra scenes story }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009 as an }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 excuse to save face".
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15159425 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 This ground of appeal is based on what is, regrettably, a common practice of removing from its context a small portion or a sentence of a judgment and claiming that it constitutes}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009  a misdirection. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 The duty of the English Court of Criminal Appeal was stated quite }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009 clearly by the then Lord Chief J}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 ustice in 1909 (}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid3423009 
R. v. Stoddart}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425  2 Cr.App.R. 217 at 246) and I can do no better than to repeat the words which are of equal relevance today and apply equally to this Court:-
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3423009 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 "This Court does not sit to consider whether}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009  
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 
this or that phrase was the best that might have been chosen, or whether a direction which has been attacked might have been fuller or more conveniently expressed, or whether other topics which might have been dealt with on other occasions should be intro
duced.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 
This Court sits here to administer justice and to deal with valid objections to matters which may have led to a miscarriage of just}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009 ice.\tab Its work would become well-}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 nigh impossible if it is to be supposed that, regardless of their real merits or of the
ir effect upon the result, objections are to be raised and argued at great length which were never suggested at the trial and which are only the result of criticism directed to discover some possible ground for argument."}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3423009 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423009\charrsid15159425 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15159425 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 Reading the judgment of the trial Magistrate as a whole,}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6577772  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 it is perfectly clear that the trial Magistrate did not shift the onus of proof and that there was no misdirection.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6577772\charrsid15159425 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6577772 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6577772 . }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 That the learned trial Magistrate erred in law and in fact in holding that "[the third defence witness'] evidence was not relevant and/or helpful".}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15159425 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6577772\charrsid15159425 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 This sentence again has been taken out of context. Defence counsel had submitted that a finding that the censor had told the truth necessarily involved a finding t
hat the third defence witness had told lies - an untenable proposition which the trial Magistrate dealt with in the following way:-
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6577772 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 "[The third defence witness'] evidence is, in retrospect, not considered relevant
 and/or helpful - the issue here is what was seen by [the censor] on the 2nd August - what was seen by [the third defence witness] I must declare and hold in }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6577772 no way discredits [the censor]. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 The submission that to support [t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6577772 he censor] means to disbelieve [t}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 he third defence witness] is not I believe correct and is rejected."}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15159425 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6577772\charrsid15159425 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 The trial Magistrate's approach to the evidence of the third defence witness cannot be faulted in the circumstances of this case.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6577772\charrsid15159425 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 I might add, in parenthesis, that at the trial the prosec
ution proposed to call a witness who, like the third defence witness, had also seen a public screening of the film in July 1977; and the learned Director of Public Prosecutions informed this Court that it was anticipated that the witness would testify to 
h
aving seen nude sexual scenes of the sort described by the censor as having been screened on the 2nd August. However the trial Magistrate queried the admissibility of her testimony and as defence counsel thereupon objected to her giving evidence as to wha
t she saw on a date different to the 2nd of August the prosecution did not adduce any evidence from her.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269239  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 
In my view the evidence of this witness was admissible for the purpose of rebutting the defence contention that nude sexual scenes were a figment of the
 censor's imagination; and the approach adopted by the trial Magistrate to this witness was hardly consistent with his allowing}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269239  evidence f}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 rom the third defence witness as to what he saw }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269239 at }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 
a public screening of the film in July.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269239  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 
However, as this operated in favour of the defence, it does not go to the grounds of appeal.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269239\charrsid15159425 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid269239 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 3.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269239  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 That the learned trial Magistra
te failed to make any positive finding on the evidence adduced by the defence and failed to balance the testimony of the defendants with that of the main prosecution witness.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15159425 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269239 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 I fail to understand this ground of appeal as in his judgment the trial Magistrat
e quite clearly took into account the evidence of the second and third appellants and their witnesses and, having done so, came to the firm conclusion that the censor's evidence was reliable and true. I reiterate that not one shred of affirmative evidence
 was called by the defence as to what scenes were screened on the 2nd August.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid269239 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 4.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269239  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 That the verdict is unreasonable and cannot be supported on the whole of the evidence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15159425 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269239\charrsid15159425 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 This is a ground of appeal that is constantly being raised without the slightest prospec
t of success. This Court has pointed out time without number that before it can succeed an appellant must shew that there was no evidence on which the trial Magistrate could reach the conclusion which}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269239  }
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 he did reach if he properly directed himself (}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid269239 Kamchan Singh v. The Police}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425  (1953) 4 F.L.R. 69).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269239  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 
In the circumstances of this case, where there was direct evidence from the censor as to }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269239 w}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 
hat was screened on the relevant dates and no direct}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269239  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 
evidence to the contrary. this ground of appeal is nothing ;short of frivolous.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269239\charrsid15159425 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid269239 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 5.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269239  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 That the evidence before the Court did not warrant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269239  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 
a conviction, and the learned trial Magistrate erred in law in holding to the contrary.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15159425 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269239\charrsid15159425 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 This appears }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 to be another way of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269239 raising the previous ,}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 ground of appeal and my observations thereon apply with equal force.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269239\charrsid15159425 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid269239 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 6.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269239  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 That the learned trial Magistrate erred in convicting the appellants although there was no evidence that they "exhibited" the film.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid269239 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269239\charrsid15159425 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15159425 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269239 The prosecution evidence,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425  whi
ch was accepted by the trial Magistrate, estab}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269239 l}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 
ished that at a cinema owned by the appellants there was exhibited a film in respect of which the appellants were the holders of an exhibitor's licence, which exhibition contravened the provisions of section 9(
1) of the Act. Section 20(1)(a) of the Act provides that it is an of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269239 fence for any person to exhibit,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425  or cause or p}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269239 ermit or suffer to be exhibited,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425  any film in contravention of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269239 ,}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425  inter alia, section 9(1) of the Act; which wording covers the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269239  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 appellants even if they did not know what was being screened.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269239\charrsid15159425 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid269239 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 7.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269239  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 That the particulars of offence were defective in that they did not }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 set out }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 what parts were not approved by the censor.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15159425 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid269239 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 On the hearing of the appeal counsel for the appellants was asked to suggest in what way the offence could have been more fully particularised, and he submitted that }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743873 the f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 ilm}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743873  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 could }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 
have been seized so as to enable the particulars to conclude with the words "as contained in the film in the custody of the Court", and so as to enable the film to be screened at the trial.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743873\charrsid15159425 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 
Certainly I think it desirable in cases of this nature for the prosecuting authorities to take custody of the film in question and to produce it as an exhibit - and in any future cases I trust that this procedur
e will be adopted. However, the absence of the film is not fatal. The censor's evidence as to the scenes which were screened on the 2nd August and which had not been approved for public exhibition was quite detailed, and there is no suggestion that the ap
pellants were in any way embarrassed in their defence by the lack of particulars in the formal charge.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743873 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 For the reasons given the appeal is dismissed.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743873 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15743873 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743873 Clifford H. Grant
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15743873\charrsid15743873 Chief Justice}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15743873 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15159425 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14960539\charrsid15159425 Suva,
\par 22nd September 1978.
\par }}