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\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15402205\charrsid15402205 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF FIJI}{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 
\par }{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4221391 (WESTERN DIVIS}{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15402205\charrsid15402205 ION}{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2581208 )
\par AT}{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15402205\charrsid15402205  LAUTOKA
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7154402 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2581208 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2581208 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15402205\charrsid2581208 Appellate Jurisdiction}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2581208\charrsid2581208 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15402205 Criminal Appeal No. 45 of 1979}{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15402205\charrsid2581208 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2653439 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15402205 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15402205 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2581208 BETWEEN}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15402205 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2653439 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15402205 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15402205 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15402205\charrsid15402205 PRICES AND INCOMES BOARD
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2581208 (}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15402205 Prosecutor}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2581208 )}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15402205 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2653439 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15402205 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15402205 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2581208 AND}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15402205 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2653439 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15402205 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15402205 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15402205\charrsid15402205 HARRY RAM LOCHAN
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15402205\charrsid2581208 f/n Ranjeet Chaudhary
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2581208 (}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15402205 Accused}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2581208 )}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15402205 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2653439 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15402205 
\par Mr. D. Williams, Counsel for the Prosecutor
\par Mr. B. S. Patel, Counsel for the Accused
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9854308 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9854308\charrsid9854308 JUDGMENT}{
\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15402205\charrsid9854308 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2653439 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15402205 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9854308 In this case there are cross appeals by the accused and the prosecutor and to avoid confusion I will continue to refer to them as such.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15402205 

\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9854308 
\par The accused was charged on three counts of raising the rent on shops owner by him without }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6508089 
giving 6 weeks written notice of the proposed rent increase to the Prices and Income Board contrary to para. 2 of the Counter Inflation (Application of Section 15) Order 1976, and sections 33(1) and 35 of the Counter-Inflatio
n 1976, and sections 33 (1) and 35 of the Counter-Inflation Act 1973.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9854308 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6508089 
\par After hearing evidence the magistrate convicted the accused on all three counts, fined him $50 each on the first two counts and $100 on the third count. He also ordered the }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7154402 accused}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6508089  to p
ay $37.50 costs, but he declined to make an order for compensation to the tenants under section 158(2) of the Criminal Procedures Code and section 28 of the Act. The accused now appeals against his conviction on all counts and the prosecution appeals agai
nst the magistrate}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6508089 s decision not to make an order for compensation.
\par 
\par The accused}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6508089 s appeal in respect of count 3 was abandoned so that that conviction and sentence must stand.
\par 
\par The circumstances giving rise to the charges were rather confusing but are set out quite clearly at the beginning of the magistrate}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6508089 
s judgment and I do not need to repeat them.
\par 
\par It is not disputed that the accused did raise the rent of the shops in question as specified in the charges. Counts 1 and 2 refer to the same shop shop No.3, 
and the reason for the two counts is that the rent was raised twice, i. e. on each of the dates specified. Count 3 refers to shop No. 2, the shop that was on {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname date}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Month}{\xmlattrvalue 10}}
{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Day}{\xmlattrvalue 28}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Year}{\xmlattrvalue 1975}}}28/10/75{\*\xmlclose} }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2298285 occupied}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6508089  by the accused himself.
\par 
\par The question in each case was whether the accused gave the necessary notice to the P.I.B. and whether the increases were authorised either expressly or by implication.
\par 
\par The essence of the problem in each case was whether a letter, Exhibit }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6508089 B}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 "}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6508089  written by the accused to the P.I.B. dated {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname date}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Month}{\xmlattrvalue 12}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Day}{\xmlattrvalue 15}}
{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Year}{\xmlattrvalue 1975}}}15/12/75{\*\xmlclose} r}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13645516 eferred to shops Nos. 2 and 3. S}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6508089 
ince the accused himself was occupying shop Nos. 2}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13645516  at the time it was conceded by the accused the Exhibit B and could}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2298285 
 not have referred to it and thu}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13645516 s the appeal on Count 3 has been abandoned. It is not disputed and letters Exhibit A and E
xhibit B refer to Shop No. 1 and the only issue really was whether Exhibit }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13645516 B}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 "}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13645516  could be said to refer to Shop No. 3 as well.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6508089 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13645516 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13645516\charrsid11626568 It is to be remembered that Exhibit B was a follow up of Exhibit A, and the request by the P.I.B. for a valuation report on the wh
ole plot. It is not disputed that the valuation report covered the three shops and the two flats comprising the whole site, but no doubt P.I.B. considered that all the information contained in that report was necessary for them }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11604040\charrsid11626568 to consider the application 
contained in Exhibit A. The letter requesting the valuation was not exhibit and so presumably is not relevant to the issue. Exhibit B merely refers to it and proceeds as follows:}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13645516 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15402205 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11626568 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11626568 
With reference to your letter C/10/2/120, I wish to advise that the present rental for the shop spaces rented out to Mr. Harak Narayan of Lautoka is $70.00 per month.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15402205 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11626568 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11626568 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid11626568 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11626568 Town Council rates\'85\'85\'85$212.00
\par Insurance Premium\'85\'85\'85}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2298285 $}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11626568 250.00
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11626568 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11626568 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11626568 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11626568 As requested please find attached a copy of valuation report on the property.

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7020254 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11626568 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11626568 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11626568 I shall be grateful if you would allow me a 10% return, which is as follows:

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7020254 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7020254 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid7020254 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7020254 Flats (a)\'85\'85\'85..$175.00 each
\par Shop (b)\'85\'85\'85..$250.00 each
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7020254 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7020254 
\par To say the least the letter does not express very concisely just what it is setting out to do. The accused says that the letters, which he wrote himse
lf, is a notice of intention to increase the rent of each of the two flats and each of the shops but that as the accused}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7020254 
s knowledge of English is not good he has not expressed himself very clearly. He says that although the letter refers under (b) to }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7020254 shop}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7020254  the word }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7020254 each}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7020254  shows that more than one shop was intended. Of course the first paragraph refers to }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7020254 shop spaces}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7020254 
 (Shop No.1) rented out to Harak Narayan whereas the reference should be to }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7020254 shop space}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7020254  or just }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7020254 shop}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7020254 , but otherwise the letter, although 
not by any means a model, whatever its purpose does not contain errors. Clearly there is in (b) a contradiction between the word }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7020254 shop}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7020254  and }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7020254 each}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7020254 , but is the error in the addition of the word }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 "}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7020254 each}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7020254  or the omission of the letter }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7020254 s}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7020254  to the word }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7020254 shop}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7020254 ?. A
s a follow-on from }{\fs24\ul\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7020254\charrsid5196755 Exhibit A}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5196755\charrsid5196755  it }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5196755 
should be only concerned with shop No. 1, and we do know that it could not refer to shop No. 2 which was occupied by the accused at that time.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7020254 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2129422 
\par Surely to put it at its most favourable to the accused there is an ambiguity in the letter, which is precisely what the magistrate found}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3218118 
. Had the evidence stopped there there might be a doubt that could be resolved in the accused}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3218118 s favour. But the evidence didn}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3218118 t stopped there. There was the evidence of P.W.6 Subramani who said}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2040880  he spo
ke to the accused in December 1975 when the accused cleared up the ambiguity in Exhibit B by stating or confirming that he was only seeking rent increase in respect of shop No. 1, and not shops No. 2 and No. 3. of course, the letter Exhibit B, being so am
biguous, it was only to be expected that someone from the P.I.B. would have to clarify what the accused was asking for. It should perhaps be noted that P.I.B. did accept that }{\fs24\ul\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2040880\charrsid2298285 
Exhibit B}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2040880  was a notice of intention to increase the rent of the flats (which has not been included in Exhibit }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 '}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2040880 A}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2040880 
) but did not accept it as a notice of intention to increase the rent of Shops No. 2 and No. 3. Consent to some increases in the rents of the two flats and a shop was given by the P.I.B., albeit not until {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname date}
{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Year}{\xmlattrvalue 1976}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Day}{\xmlattrvalue 26}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Month}{\xmlattrvalue 3}}}26/3/76{\*\xmlclose}, in }{
\fs24\ul\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2040880\charrsid7225014 Exhibit D}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7225014\charrsid7225014 .}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7225014  Exhibit D is not evidence that }{
\fs24\ul\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7225014\charrsid2298285 Exhibit B}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7225014 
 was only meant to cover one shop but if P.W.6 had clarified the ambiguity as he stated then naturally the P.I.B. would have been concerned only with shop No. 1 and the two flats, and there is no doubt from Exhibit D that the P.I.B. was only so concerned.
}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2129422 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7225014 
\par Subramani}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7225014 
s evidence has been attacked by the accused both at the trial and during the appeal, not surprisingly, because what he said was vital to the prosecution. }{\fs24\ul\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7225014\charrsid7225014 Exhibit B}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7225014 , being ambiguous, would on its own leave a doubt which would have to be resolved in the accused}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 '}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7225014 s favour, but if Subramani}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7225014 
s evidence is accepted, the ambiguity was resolved and the prosecution has proved the elements of the charges.
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15620791 
\par The magistrate dealt at some length with Subramani}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15620791 s eviden
ce and his reasons for accepting it. This was a question of credibility although it was complicated somewhat by argument as to whether notes referred to by Subramani just before the trial should be produced and whether a memo written by him to his head of
fice in {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname place}}{\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname City}}Suva{\*\xmlclose}{\*\xmlclose}
 should be produced. The magistrate ruled that there was no reason for the notes to be produced but that the memo should be produced. The magistrate ruled that there was no reason for the notes to be produced but that the memo should be produced.}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8784387  The notes were not the witness}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8784387  own notes to be }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10562802 produced, he says he merely looked at the names at the top and then handed the file back and so I see no reason to question the magistrate}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 '}
{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10562802 s ruling on this point. It appears that the witness had made his ow
n notes at the time of his visit to the accused, and if he had been asked to produce these, and not the notes written by someone else the position might have been different.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15620791 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10562802 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10562802\charrsid3683984 With regard to the memo this appears to have got lost and so in spite of the magistrate}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 '}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10562802\charrsid3683984 
s ruling this could now be produced. How this one memo could have gone astray is a matter for some concern, but the magistrate accepted that its production was no longer possible. It then remained a question of whet}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9835420 her the court could accept the w}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10562802\charrsid3683984 itness}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 '}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10562802\charrsid3683984  recollection of the events and what the memo contained. The magistrate believed the witness as he was entitled to and he did not believe the accused. He }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9835420 accepted that the latent ambiguity in Exhibit B }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10562802\charrsid3683984 was resolved by the accused himself, and therefor
e that no notice of intention to raise the rent on Shops 2 and 3 was given by the accused. The conviction followed quite correctly from this and so the appeals against conviction are dismissed.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10562802 

\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8784387 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3683984 I now turn to the prosecution}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3683984 s appeal against the magistrate}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3683984 
s refusal to make an award of compensation. The application for the court to award compensation was made under section 158(2) of the C.P.C. as read with section 28 of the Counter-Inflation Act 1973. section 158(2) of the C.P.C. reads as follows-
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3683984 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3683984 Any per
son who is convicted of an offence maybe ordered to pay compensation to any person injured by, or who suffers damage to his property or loss as a result of such offence and such compensation may be either in addition to, or in substitution for, any punish
ment or other sentence.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3683984 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3683984 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3683984 
\par Section 28 of the Counter-Inflation Act 1973 reads-
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3683984 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3683984 
A transaction shall not be invalid by reason only that it involves an offence under this Act; but the person paying a price or charge in excess of that fixed and declared under 
the provisions of this Act shall be entitled to recover the excess of any price so paid by him over such fixed and declared price unless he himself has aided abetted or procured the commission of the offence.}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3683984 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8997399 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8997399 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2653439 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8997399\charrsid8211219 A magistrate certainly has the power to award
 compensation under section 158(2) of the C.P.C. to anyone who suffered damage to his property, or who }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8211219\charrsid8211219 suffered}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8997399\charrsid8211219  loss as a result of the offence committed. In this case the question arises firstly whether}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8211219 
 the persons who rented shops No. 2 and No.3 suffered
 loss as result of the offences committed by the accused. They both apparently willingly paid the rent asked for by the accused. One of them agreed that he was very anxious to get one of the shops and it was clear that he wasn}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2449405 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8211219 t worried about paying the higher rent. I doubt very much whether section 158 (2) of the C.P.C. was intended to cover such a situation.

\par 
\par Section 28 of the Counter-Inflation Act 1973 certainly is intended to apply to such a situation and under that section the tenants can certainly ask
 to have the excess rent returned to them. But on the other hand section 28 surely was not intended to be used as authority for awarding compensation when the landlord is charged with unlawfully increasing the rent. If that was the intention the section w
ould have spelled this out in some detail; it would not have been worded in the way it is worded. In any }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4260754 
case it clearly raises the question of whether the tenants were aiders or abettors to the landlord in breaking the law. This question was not property g
one into before the magistrate and yet clearly it is an issue that should be decided before the tenants have the excess rent returned to them. I entirely agree with the magistrate that the correct course is to allow the tenants, if they so wish, to take a
ction under section 28 of the Counter-Inflation Act 1973, and not to make an order for compensation under section 158 (2) of the Criminal Procedure Code. The appeal by the prosecution is therefore dismissed.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4260754 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4260754\charrsid4260754 (Sgd)
\par (G.O.L. Dyke)
\par JUDGE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4264080 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4260754\charrsid4260754 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4260754\charrsid4264080 LAUTOKA
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2653439 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4264080 16th }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4260754\charrsid4264080 November
, 1979}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2653439\charrsid2653439 
\par }}