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\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 FIJI ISLANDS
\par AT SUVA
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. CAV0006 OF 2000S
\par (Fiji Court of Appeal Criminal Appeal No. AAU0044 of 1996S)
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\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677 [Petitioner]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
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\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 [Respondent]
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\par Coram:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 Hon. Justice John von Doussa, Judge of Supreme Court
\par Rt. Hon. Justice Sir Kenneth Keith, Judge of Supreme Court
\par Hon. Justice Robert French, Judge of Supreme Court
\par 
\par Hearing:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 Tuesday, 8th April 2003, Suva
\par Thursday, 10 th April 2003, Suva
\par 
\par Counsel:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 Mr.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 R.P. Singh for the Petitioner
\par Mr . G.H. Allan for the Respondent
\par 
\par Date of Judgment:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 Friday, 11th April 2003, Suva
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid736677 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 REASONS FOR JUDGMENT ON PETITION FOR SPECIAL LEAVE TO APPEAL
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On 31 July 1996 the petitioner was convicted in the High Court at Labasa of the murder of his wife contrary to s 199 of the Penal Code.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 She died on 9 November 1995.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 He was sentenced to life impri
sonment under s 200 of the Code.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 The trial was heard by the Chief Justice sitting with three assessors.}{
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There was evidence of a record of interview, signed by the petitioner, in which he admitted striking his wife with a PVC pipe on the head and chest until she died.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 At trial, however, he said that his wife had been trampled to death by two bullocks.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid736677 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
\par }\pard \ql \fi720\li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid736677 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
At trial the petitioner challenged the admissibility of the confessional statements, a challenge which was heard by the Chief Justice sitting alone over some seven hearing days.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 The Chief Justice ruled that one of the statements, made in Hindi to a police officer, was admissible.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 The admissibility of the statement had been challenged on a variety of grounds going to voluntariness and the fairness of the manner in which it had been taken.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid736677 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
\par }\pard \ql \fi720\li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid736677 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
The Court of Appeal observed that although the notice of appeal raised numerous grounds, the only ground advanced before it concerned the failure of the Chief Justice adequately to put the defence case in his summing up to the assessors.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 In this respect there were five areas of complaint and the Court of Appeal dealt with each of them.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 It found in one aspect only that the Chief Justice had failed to mention one part of the evidence going to motive.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 This was evidence of
 a police superintendent who said in cross-examination that it was not the police view that the petitioner had killed his wife because of religious differences or disputes.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 It was said by the Court of Appeal that the Chief Justice should have referred to this statement in his summing up once he had decided to refer to the prosecution theory on motive.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
The Court however applied the proviso to this ground of appeal on the basis that in spite of the error, no miscarriage of justice had occurred.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid736677 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
\par }\pard \ql \fi720\li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid736677 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 The petit
ion for special leave to appeal from the decision of the Court of Appeal was filed in March 2000.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
There was some correspondence between the Supreme Court Registry and the administration of the prison in which the petitioner is now held.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 Although it is no
t completely clear from the petition and the notice of appeal which accompanied it, the Court received the petition as a petition for special leave to appeal from the decision of the Court of Appeal.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 That is the only way in which the petitioner can invoke the jurisdiction of this Court.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid736677 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
\par Section 122(2) of the Constitution provides: 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-11\li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10234085 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 \'93}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 (2)}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
An appeal may not be brought from a final judgment of the Court of Appeal unless:
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid736677 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\langfenp1033\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (a)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-735\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\jclisttab\tx1440{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls19\pnrnot0
\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls19\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid736677 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
the Court of Appeal gives leave to appeal on a question certified by it to be of significant public importance; or
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10234085 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid10234085 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-713\li1418\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1418\itap0\pararsid10234085 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 (b)\tab the Supreme Court gives special leave to appeal.\'94

\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid736677 \f63\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
\par The Court of Appeal}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 has}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 not}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 given}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 leave}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 to}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 appeal}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 to}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 this}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 Court}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 under s. 122(2)(a).}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid736677 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10234085 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 The criteria for the grant of special leave are set out in s 7 of the }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 Supreme Court Act 1998. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 Subsection 7(2) provides: 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li709\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin709\itap0\pararsid10234085 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 \'93
In relation to a criminal matter, the Supreme Court must not grant special leave to appeal unless \endash 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-709\li709\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin709\itap0\pararsid736677 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid10234085 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-1418\li2127\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2127\itap0\pararsid10234085 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 (a)\tab a question of general lega
l importance is involved; 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-1418\li1418\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1418\itap0\pararsid736677 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid10234085 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-709\li1418\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1418\itap0\pararsid10234085 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 (b)\tab 
a substantial question of principle affecting the administration of criminal justice is involved; or 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-1418\li1418\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1418\itap0\pararsid736677 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid10234085 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-1418\li2127\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2127\itap0\pararsid10234085 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 (c)\tab 
substantial and grave injustice could otherwise occur.\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid736677 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid736677 \f63\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10234085 \tab }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 The petition came on for hearing at the beginning of this session on Tuesday, 8 April 2003.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 The petitioner had, up until 7 April, been unrepresented on the record in this}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 Court.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
However on the day set down for the hearing of the petition Mr R. P. Singh appeared for him and informed the Court that he had only received instructions on the afternoon of the previous day.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 He sought an adjournment of the hearing so that he could file amended grounds for the grant of special leave.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 The Court adjourned the matter until 2.30pm today and directed the filing of any amended petition by 11am.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid736677 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid736677 \f63\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 \tab 
An amended petition has now been filed in lieu of that previously lodged by the petitioner.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
It discloses one ground only upon which the grant of special leave is sought.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 That is expressed thus: 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid736677 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\langfenp1033\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 1.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-705\li1414\ri0\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx1414{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls20\pnrnot0
\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls20\adjustright\rin0\lin1414\itap0\pararsid10234085 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
Because the High Court of Fiji erred in law and in fact in failing to direct the assessors on the issue of provocation in his summing up.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10234085 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-709\li1418\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1418\itap0\pararsid10234085 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 2.\tab 
Because substantial and grave injustice may otherwise occur.
\par }\pard \ql \fi-709\li709\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin709\itap0\pararsid736677 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid736677 \f63\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 \tab 
In paragraphs 7 and 8 of the original petition, the petitioner raised a request to be heard on what he called \'93provocation and harassment\'94.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 He alleged that his daughter had committed suicide because of his wife and that one day before she had died the deceased had told him that she would kill all his children by giving them 
\'93paraquat\'94.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 The following day, according to the petitioner, he and the deceased had gone to change his bullock.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 He went on to say that he had some problems with his wife.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 He had not intended to kill her.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 He only wanted her to cool down.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 However she kept on saying bad words and tension built up between them.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 He repeated he had no intention to kill her. 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid736677 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
\par }\pard \ql \li709\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin709\itap0\pararsid10234085 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 In paragraph 8 of the previous grounds, the petitioner also said: 

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid736677 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
\par }\pard \ql \fi11\li709\ri720\widctlpar\tx709\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin709\itap0\pararsid10234085 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 \'93
At this moment I admit that I commit the offence of murder but there was no reason why?}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 Why I commit the off
ence is not a plan but I was provoced (sic) and harrased (sic) at times.\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677  
\par }\pard \ql \fi-709\li709\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin709\itap0\pararsid736677 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid736677 \f63\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10234085 \tab }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 No issue of provocation was raised at the trial because the defence proceeded on the basis that the petitioner had not killed his wife at all and that she had been trampled by bullocks.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 Nor was any complaint made in the Court of Appeal of any failure by the trial judge to direct on the question of provocation.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 The petitioner was represented at trial and on the appeal.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid736677 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
\par \tab At trial the petitioner gave evidence in which he described his wife as \'93a nice approachable lady\'94 who was \'93hard working\'94.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 He said \'93I did not kill my wife.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 I loved her.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 She was a nice wife.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 We got on very well.\'94}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid736677 \f63\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 \tab 
In this case counsel for the petitioner relies upon material appearing in the record of interview of 9 November 1995 which was admitted at trial.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 There the petitioner told police that his wife said, the day before she died, that she had caused their adopted daughter, Shaleshni, to hang herself.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 She also allegedly threatened to kill the petitioner if she were not paid $5,000.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
Then, at about 1pm on the same day, she allegedly refused a request by the petitioner that she make Halwa and Gulagula for members of the Assemblies of God who the petitioner was bringing home that afternoon.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 The petitioner said he had some lunch then went to his shop and brought back six loaves of bread at about 4.30pm.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 He said his wife complained that bread costs money.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 He then went and yoked a bullock and ploughed his land, getting back home at 6pm.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid736677 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid736677 \f63\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 \tab 
The following day was the day his wife died.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
There was no suggestion of any incident on that day which caused the petitioner to kill his wife. 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid736677 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
\par \tab In the written submissions filed on behalf of the petitioner it was said: 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \fi3\li706\ri720\widctlpar\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin706\itap0\pararsid10234085 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 \'93It is submitted that because of the religious
 differences, the deceased did not cooperate when prayer meetings were held at the [petitioner\rquote s] house.}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
For the prayer meeting of 8 November 1995, it was the [petitioner\rquote s] wish that Indian delicacies of Halwa and Gulagula be prepared.}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 The deceased objected to this and as a result the [petitioner] had to buy bread and butter and serve to his fellow Church members.
\par }\pard \ql \fi-709\li709\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin709\itap0\pararsid736677 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid10234085 
\par }\pard \ql \fi3\li706\ri720\widctlpar\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin706\itap0\pararsid10234085 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 This was an insult to the [petitioner].}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 In an Indian home, the wife is normally the master of the kitchen and in a rural environment, the 
wife does not disobey the request of the husband as far as cooking is concerned.}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
It was an ultimate insult that the deceased refused the [petitioner\rquote s] request for Halwa and Gulagula.}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-709\li709\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin709\itap0\pararsid736677 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
\par }\pard \ql \fi3\li706\ri720\widctlpar\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin706\itap0\pararsid10234085 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
Furthermore he submitted that it can be presumed that the above kind of insults would have been normal always when religious conferences took place, especially at the [petitioner\rquote s] home.}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 The Assessors who were local people would have been better persons to decide whether the squabbles resulting from the religious differences amounted to provocation.\'94 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid736677 \f63\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
\par \tab Reliance was placed upon what counsel for the petitioner called \'93cumulative provocation\'94.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
It was said that the actions of the deceased with respect to religious gatherings amounted to cumulative provocation which resulted in the petitioner losing his self-control and that this should have been put to the assessors by the trial judge. 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid736677 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid736677 \f63\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 \tab 
The fact that an accused person does not raise provocation at his or her trial does not necessarily excuse a trial judge from the obligation to direct assessors if provocation is open on the evidence.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid736677 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid736677 \f63\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 \tab 
Provocation as defined in s 204 of the Penal Code requires a \'93wrongful act or insult of such a nature as to be likely, when done to an ordinary person \'85 to deprive him of the power of 
self-control and to induce him to commit an assault of the kind which the person charged committed upon the person by whom the act or insult is done\'94.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid736677 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid736677 \f63\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 \tab 
The fundamental objection to the contention that provocation was open is that there was no suggestion o
n the record of interview or anywhere else in the evidence relied upon by the petitioner, that the petitioner had suffered a loss of self-control at the time he killed his wife.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 The fact that he killed his wife does not of}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
itself support an inference of loss of self control.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
Indeed the manner in which the petitioner killed his wife as described in his record of interview is not consistent with a loss of self-control.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 Moreover, his wife\rquote s refusal to prepare food for the Assemblies could not constitute a 
wrongful act or insult. A conversation, the day before the killing, about the reason for his daughter\rquote s suicide and the wife\rquote 
s threat to kill him, raised only in a record of interview and contradicted by his own evidence at trial, could hardly raise a case fit to go to the assessors on the issue of provocation.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid736677 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx709\tx1418\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid736677 \f63\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 \tab 
In any event there is no miscarriage of justice as not only was the matter not raised at trial, it was not raised in the Court of Appeal.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
\par 
\par \tab The criteria for special leave have not been made in this case and the points raised in the notice of appeal are without merit.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid736677  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
Special leave to appeal is refused.
\par 
\par \tab The petition is dismissed
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10234085 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid10234085 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10234085 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
Hon. Justice John von Doussa
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 Judge of Supreme Court
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10234085 {\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid10234085 

\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10234085 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
Rt. Hon. Justice Sir Kenneth Keith
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 Judge of Supreme Court
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10234085 {\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid10234085 

\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10234085 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
Hon. Justice Robert French
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7480587 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid7480587 
Judge of Supreme Court
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid736677 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 

\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 Solicitors:
\par }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid10234085 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 Messrs. Kohli and Singh, Suva for the Petitioner
\par Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Suva for the Respondent}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11413895\charrsid736677 
\par }}