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\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 FIJI ISLANDS
\par AT SUVA
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526 Civil Appeal No. CBV0002 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 of 2002S
\par (Fiji Court of Appeal Civil Action No ABU003 of 2001S)
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\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 Respondent
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\par Coram:\tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 Hon Justice Daniel Fatiaki, President of Supreme Court
\par Hon Justice Robert French, Judge of Supreme Court
\par Hon Justice Kenneth Handley, Judge of Supreme Court
\par 
\par Hearing:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 Friday, 17 October 2003, Suva
\par 
\par Counsel:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 Mr VM Mishra for the Petitioner 
\par Mr V Kapadia for the Respondent
\par 
\par Date of Judgment:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 Friday, 24 October 2003, Suva
\par 
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\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 Introduction
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
\par }\pard \ql \fi720\li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7091526 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
This is an application to extend time to bring a petition for special leave to appeal against a decision of the Court of Appeal.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
The application is brought by the successful plaintiff in a personal injuries action arising out of a motor vehicle accident.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
She contends that the quantum of damages she was awarded was insufficient in various respects.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
In particular, she contends that the case involves a constitutional point namely that the assessment of her loss of earnings was informed by gender-biased assu
mptions contrary to the provisions of s 38 of the Constitution guaranteeing equality before the law.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7091526 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526\charrsid7091526 
\par }\pard\plain \s1\ql \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel0\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7091526 \b\f37\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 Factual History}{\b0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7091526 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526\charrsid7091526 
\par }\pard \ql \fi720\li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7091526 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 Renuka Shankar was born on 30 August 1955.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 In 1979 she received a Diploma in Education at the University of the South Pacific.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 She also received a Certificate of Basic Programming from the Nadi Commercial School.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7091526 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
\par }\pard \ql \fi720\li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7091526 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
In 1994 Ms Shankar was working as a school teacher and had been working as such for about fifteen years.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
She was living in a de facto marriage with a Mr Gopal, whom she had met in December 1993.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
They had started living together in January 1994.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
Although Ms Shankar continued to work as a school teacher after they met she and Mr Gopal set up a small business in Nadi.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
They planned to marry at the end of 1994.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 They intended to have a child or children.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7091526 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
\par }\pard \ql \fi720\li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7091526 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 On 15 October 1994 Ms Shankar was driving in a motor vehicle towards Suva.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 She was taking several students from her school to attend an award ceremony.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 Her car was involved in a head on collision with a motor vehicle driven by Chandar Gopalan Naidu.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 Ms Shankar suffered injuries in the accident including bruising and lacerations to her face, multiple bruises to her body and a deep laceration over her right elbow.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 Her dog, which was travelling in the car, was killed in the accident.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7091526 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
\par }\pard \ql \fi720\li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7091526 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
In proceedings which she subsequently brought in the High Court the learned trial judge, (Scott J) found that she had also suffered from \'93severe emotional harm\'94 and \'93quite a severe level of psychosocial distress and disability\'94.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 In a judgment delivered on 15 December 2000, his Lordship awarded Ms Shankar damages of $103,850 calculated as follows:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7091526 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7091526 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 1.\tab Pain and suffering and loss of amenities\tab \tab $ 60,000
\par 2.\tab Loss of salary 5 x $7,600\tab \tab \tab \tab $ 38,000
\par 3.\tab Special Damages\tab \tab \tab \tab \tab }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 $}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 5,850

\par }\pard\plain \s5\ql \li720\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel4\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7091526 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 \tab 
\tab \tab \tab \tab \tab Total\tab \tab $103,850
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7091526 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7091526 \f37\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
There was no award for int}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526 erest as none had been claimed.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7091526 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
\par }\pard \ql \fi720\li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7091526 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
The loss of salary component of the award is reflected in the following passage in his Lordship\rquote s reasons:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7091526 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7091526 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 \'93On the important matter of her teaching career the evidence was s
omewhat less firm than I would have liked but in my opinion had the accident not happened she would in all probability have married Gopal, and carried on teaching until the children arrived.}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 I think then she would have left teaching and joined her husband in the running of the business whenever she had time to spare.}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
I do not think it likely that she would have married, had children and taken a degree at University (something she did not get around to doing for 15 years, choosing instead to travel extensively overseas) and gone on to become a head of department.}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 I think she has certainly lost wages as a result of this accident but I put that loss at 5 years and no more.\'94
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7091526 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
\par }\pard\plain \s7\ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel6\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7091526 \b\fs24\ul\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 The Grounds of Appeal to the Court of Appeal
\par }\pard\plain \ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7091526 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \fi720\li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7091526 \f37\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
Ms Shankar appealed to the Court of Appeal against the quantum of the award.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
In respect of the loss of earnings component of the award the two grounds}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  of appeal were expressed thus:}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7091526 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \fi-731\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid7091526 \f37\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 \'93
1.\tab The Learned Judge erred in fact and/or in law in only allowing a multiplier of 5 for the Appellant\rquote s loss of salary as a school teacher despite finding that:-
\par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-1440\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid7091526 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \fi-742\li2160\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid7091526 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 (a)\tab 
He accepted that the Plaintiff suffers from severe emotional harm and a severe level of psychosocial distress and disability.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \fi-742\li2160\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid7091526 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 (b)\tab 
The appellant would never again become her old self.
\par (c)\tab He accepted that she had lost her teaching career and income therefrom.
\par }\pard \ql \fi-2160\li2160\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid7091526 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \fi-731\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid7091526 \f37\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 2.
\tab The Learned Judge erred in fact and/or in law and applied wrong principles that the Appellant would only have taught until she had married and had children and then would have left teaching.\'94
\par }\pard\plain \ql \fi-1440\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid7091526 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7091526 \f37\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526 \tab }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 She also challenged the trial judge\rquote 
s award for pain and suffering (ground 3) and contended that he had erred in not awarding any sum for her permanent facial and elbow scarring (ground 4).}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 The fifth and final ground of appeal asserted that the trial judge erred in refusing to allow interest on her damages award. 
\par 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526 \tab }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
In the written submissions put on behalf of Ms Shankar to the Court of Appeal in relation to the loss of earnings component of the award, reference was made to s 38 of the Fiji Constitution.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 That section guarantees equality before the law and prohibits unfair discrimination, direct or indirect, on a number of grounds including gender.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 It was said in support of this contention that, having taught for fifteen years in a professio
n that she enjoyed and was good at and being a person of her own mind, the appellant was \'93\'85 entitled to an inference that she would have worked until retirement as would a male in her position\'94.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526 
 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 It was submitted that teaching was a central part of her exi
stence and enjoyment of life and that the multiplier of 5 for a person of 39 years of age (as she was at the time of the accident) was manifestly inadequate.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 The submissions did not develop the constitutional point further. 
\par 
\par \tab The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 The Judgment of the Court of Appeal}{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526\charrsid7091526 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 \tab In relation to the loss of earnings question, the Court did not in terms address the discrimination point taken in the written submissions.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 The Court acknowledged that}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 the assessment of both past and future loss of earnings gave rise to difficulty.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 There was no real problem in determining the income which Ms Shankar would have received had she continued to work as a school teacher.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 The difficulty arose because it was contended that in her circumstances she would not necessarily have continued to work indefinitely as a school teacher. 
\par 
\par \tab The Court referred to the contention, put on behalf of Mr Naidu, that Ms Shankar, having intended to have a child or children, inevitably would have given up her work in order to \'93perform her duties as a wife and mother\'94.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
She would have been more likely to work in the family business in conjunction with the discharge of her maternal obligations than to have continued teaching.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 The Court acknowledged the argument advanced for Ms Shankar \'93\'85
 that it was no longer appropriate to reflect gender differences in the assessment of damages and that it should not be assumed that a woman would work for a shorter period in a career than would a man\'94. It referred also to the submissio
n that Ms Shankar was likely to have continued working as a school teacher and to have made arrangements for child care if necessary so that she could continue with that career. 
\par 
\par \tab The Court adverted to the trial judge\rquote s factual conclusion that had the accident not happened Ms Shankar would in all probability have married Mr Gopal and carried on teaching until the children arrived.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 It referred to his finding that she would then have left teaching and joined her husband in the running of the business in her
 spare time.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 The Court referred to the judge\rquote s choice of a multiplier of 5, which it said was \'93\'85
 no doubt on the assumption that at the time the accident occurred her teaching career bearing in mind the considerations to which reference had already been m
ade would have extended for only a comparatively limited number of years beyond the time at which the accident occurred\'94.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
When the case came on for hearing before the trial judge, Ms Shankar had already been unable to work as a teacher for four years.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 Al
though the Court accepted that an immediate reaction was that she must have been entitled to some additional sum for future loss of earnings, her actual loss was assessed by the trial judge on a multiplier of 5 \'93\'85
 given his conclusion on the limited length of time she would have been expected to continue with her career if the accident had not intervened\'94.
\par 
\par \tab The Court of Appeal observed that the evidence on this aspect of the matter was sparse and said: 
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li709\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin709\itap0\pararsid7091526 {\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 \'93We appreciate the difficulties which the judge faced.}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
In the circumstances we do not see that there is any breach of principle in the approach which he followed or that there is any evidence which is so convincing that we ought to substitute our views for those which led him to the conclusion em
bodied in his judgment.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
Accordingly we arrive at the conclusion that the appeal must fail in respect of the loss of earnings both past and prospective.\'94
\par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-709\li709\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin709\itap0\pararsid7091526 {\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7091526 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 \tab 
The Court went on to reject the claim for interest on the basis that no claim had been included in 
the pleadings and that it was the established practice of the Court, reflected in authorities which were cited, that interest would not be awarded where it had not been claimed.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 The Application for Leave to Appeal}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 \tab The judgment of the Court of Appeal was delivered on 18 October 2001.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 On 12 December 2001 Ms Shankar filed in the Court of Appeal a motion for leave to extend time to file an application in the Court of Appeal for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 The motion was about two months out of time, the time limit for an application for leave to appeal being twenty-eight days.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 The reasons for the delay related to Ms Shankar\rquote 
s physical and psychological disability and an assault which she had suffered on 20 October 2000.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
\par 
\par \tab When the Court asked for identification of the matters of \'93significant public importance\'94 which would warrant it granting leave under s 122(2)(a) of the Constitution, two matters were raised.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  
}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 The first related to the disallowance of the claim for interest.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
The second related to the assessment of loss of earnings on the basis that Ms Shankar would only have carried on teaching until she married and had children.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 On this matter reference was made by her counsel to s 38 of the Constitution of Fiji and the prohibition against discrimination on the grounds of gender.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 Reference was also made to the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
\par 
\par \tab The Court of Appeal rejected the contention that the interest question raised a matter of significant public importance.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
Although it allowed that it might be a matter of \'93substantial general interest to the administration of civil justice\'94 if special leave were being sought in the Supreme Court under s 7(2) of the Supreme Court Act 1998.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 On th
e gender discrimination issue, the Court held that the issue which counsel for Ms Shankar sought to debate was fundamentally one of fact which turned upon the particular facts of the case rather than a point of principle suitable for determination by the 
Supreme Court. 
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 The Application to Extend Time to Petition for Special Leave}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 \tab The application for extension of time having been dismissed, Ms Shankar then filed an application in this Court seeking an extension of time within which to bring a petition for 
special leave to appeal under s 122(2)(b) of the Constitution.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 That application by way of petition was filed on 18 March 2002.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 When the matter came on for hearing the Court heard argument both on the question of extension of time and the special leave points. 

\par 
\par \tab The Court is of the view that, having regard to the relatively short period of the delay, the circumstances in which the delay occurred and the want of any practical prejudice to the respondent, time should be extended to enable it to hear and det
ermine the special leave petition.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
In so saying, the Court does not accept the proposition advanced by counsel for Mr Naidu that a party who has failed, in the Court of Appeal, to obtain leave to appeal to the Supreme Court, is thereby precluded from purs
uing a petition for special leave in the Supreme Court.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 Section 122(2) provides for both kinds of application.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
Their criteria differ, albeit the criteria for the grant of special leave to appeal are statutory, being found in s 7 of the Supreme Court Act.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 No issue of abuse of process arises from the mere fact that a petitioner for special leave has previously applied for and been refused leave to appeal by the Court of Appeal.
\par 
\par \tab There is no special leave point arising out of the award for general damages for pain and suffering and the alleged failure of the trial judge to take account of scarring.
\par 
\par \tab On the question of interest, the established practice of the High Court requiring that interest be claimed, which was referred to in the judgment of the Court 
of Appeal, is supported by Order 18 Rule 14(1) of the High Court Rules 1998 which provides: 
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li709\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin709\itap0\pararsid7091526 {\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 \'9314(1)}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 A statement of claim must state specifically the relief or remedy which the plaintiff claims: but costs need not be specifically claimed.\'94
\par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-709\li709\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin709\itap0\pararsid7091526 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7091526 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 There is no 
special leave point arising out of this well established requirement which was not followed in this case. 
\par 
\par \tab The final point is whether the assessment of loss of earnings, based upon a finding that Ms Shankar would probably have ceased full time work as a 
teacher to have children after her marriage to Mr Gopal, involved unfair discrimination against her on the basis of her gender alone contrary to s 38(2) of the Constitution.
\par 
\par \tab This is not the occasion for an extended discussion of the constitutional guarantee of equality before the law in relation to gender.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 That constitutional guarantee was not raised at trial.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
Nor was it raised expressly or even by necessary implication in the grounds of appeal before the Court of Appeal.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
It was raised in passing and without any significant elaboration in written submissions put to the Court of Appeal.
\par 
\par \tab Where, as in this case, a constitutional issue might have involved questions of fact, it would be a rare occasion in which the issue could properly be raised for the first time on an appeal.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 In the ordinary course the point should be raised at the earliest opportunity and if possible in the pleadings.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 The High Court has an express grant of original jurisdiction in any matter arising under the Constitution or involving its interpretation (s 120(1)).}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
\par 
\par \tab Undoubtedly, the right to equality before the law conferred upon \'93every person\'94 by s 38(1) of the Constitution and the prohibition against unfair discrimination in s 38(2) raise matters of general importance in Fijian society.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
This case however, as presented in the Court of Appeal and to this Court, does not raise any issue of principle arising under that provision.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 The trial judge\rquote s assessment was based upon the particular facts found by him in the case.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 He had reference to Ms Shankar\rquote s pre-accident intentions and behaviour and based his factual assessment in part upon them.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 Had the constitutional point been taken at trial no doubt evidence could have been presented by both sides to ensure a solid factual foundation f
or any application of the constitutional principle.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
As the Court of Appeal noted, the evidence on the question of loss of earnings generally was \'93sparse\'94.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
\par 
\par \tab Even taking the point for the first time in the Court of Appeal there was nothing in the grounds of appeal to give notice of the argument which only emerged out of the written submissions filed by counsel for Ms Shankar. 
\par 
\par \tab This case, turning as it does upon a limited evidentiary base and a particular procedural history, does not provide an appropria
te vehicle for dealing with the important constitutional issues which may fall for decision in due course in connection with the application of s 38 of the Constitution.
\par 
\par \tab The Court is therefore of the opinion that although the time limited for bringing the petition should be extended, the petition itself should be dismissed with costs. 
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 Conclusion
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \fi720\li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7091526 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 For the preceding reasons the Court orders that: 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7091526 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-698\li1418\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1418\itap0\pararsid7091526 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 1.\tab 
The time limited for filing the petition for special leave to appeal to the Supreme}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 Court be extended to 18 March 2002.
\par 2.\tab The petition for special leave be dismissed. 
\par 3.\tab The petitioner is to pay the respondent\rquote s costs of the petition.
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7091526 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7091526 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 Hon Justice Daniel V Fatiaki
\par }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 President of Supreme Court}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
\par 
\par Justice Robert French
\par }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 Judge of Supreme Court
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526 J}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 ustice Kenneth Handley
\par }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 Judge of Supreme Court}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7091526 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526\charrsid7091526 
\par }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7091526 Solicitors:}{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid854866\charrsid7091526 Mishra Prakash & Associates, Suva for the Petitioner
\par Sherani & Co, Suva for the Respondent
\par }}