{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;}
{\f2\fmodern\fcharset0\fprq1{\*\panose 02070309020205020404}Courier New;}{\f3\froman\fcharset2\fprq2{\*\panose 05050102010706020507}Symbol;}{\f10\fnil\fcharset2\fprq2{\*\panose 05000000000000000000}Wingdings;}
{\f185\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE;}{\f186\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr;}{\f188\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek;}{\f189\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur;}
{\f190\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew);}{\f191\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic);}{\f192\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic;}{\f193\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese);}
{\f205\fmodern\fcharset238\fprq1 Courier New CE;}{\f206\fmodern\fcharset204\fprq1 Courier New Cyr;}{\f208\fmodern\fcharset161\fprq1 Courier New Greek;}{\f209\fmodern\fcharset162\fprq1 Courier New Tur;}
{\f210\fmodern\fcharset177\fprq1 Courier New (Hebrew);}{\f211\fmodern\fcharset178\fprq1 Courier New (Arabic);}{\f212\fmodern\fcharset186\fprq1 Courier New Baltic;}{\f213\fmodern\fcharset163\fprq1 Courier New (Vietnamese);}}{\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;
\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green255\blue255;\red0\green255\blue0;\red255\green0\blue255;\red255\green0\blue0;\red255\green255\blue0;\red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue128;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green128\blue0;\red128\green0\blue128;
\red128\green0\blue0;\red128\green128\blue0;\red128\green128\blue128;\red192\green192\blue192;}{\stylesheet{\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp3081\langfenp1033 \snext0 \styrsid9310800 Normal;}{\*\cs10 \additive \ssemihidden Default Paragraph Font;}{\*
\ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\trcbpat1\trcfpat1\tblind0\tblindtype3\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv 
\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \snext11 \ssemihidden Normal Table;}{\s15\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\nowidctlpar
\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp3081\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext15 \styrsid8340776 footer;}{\*\cs16 \additive \sbasedon10 \styrsid8340776 page number;}}
{\*\listtable{\list\listtemplateid-976055702\listhybrid{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace360\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698689\'01\u-3913 ?;}{\levelnumbers;}\f3\fbias0\hres0\chhres0 
\fi-360\li2160\jclisttab\tx2160\lin2160 }{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\lvltentative\levelspace360\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698691\'01o;}{\levelnumbers;}\f2\fbias0\hres0\chhres0 
\fi-360\li2880\jclisttab\tx2880\lin2880 }{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\lvltentative\levelspace360\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698693\'01\u-3929 ?;}{\levelnumbers;}\f10\fbias0\hres0\chhres0 
\fi-360\li3600\jclisttab\tx3600\lin3600 }{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\lvltentative\levelspace360\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698689\'01\u-3913 ?;}{\levelnumbers;}\f3\fbias0\hres0\chhres0 
\fi-360\li4320\jclisttab\tx4320\lin4320 }{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\lvltentative\levelspace360\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698691\'01o;}{\levelnumbers;}\f2\fbias0\hres0\chhres0 
\fi-360\li5040\jclisttab\tx5040\lin5040 }{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\lvltentative\levelspace360\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698693\'01\u-3929 ?;}{\levelnumbers;}\f10\fbias0\hres0\chhres0 
\fi-360\li5760\jclisttab\tx5760\lin5760 }{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\lvltentative\levelspace360\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698689\'01\u-3913 ?;}{\levelnumbers;}\f3\fbias0\hres0\chhres0 
\fi-360\li6480\jclisttab\tx6480\lin6480 }{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\lvltentative\levelspace360\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698691\'01o;}{\levelnumbers;}\f2\fbias0\hres0\chhres0 
\fi-360\li7200\jclisttab\tx7200\lin7200 }{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\lvltentative\levelspace360\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698693\'01\u-3929 ?;}{\levelnumbers;}\f10\fbias0\hres0\chhres0 
\fi-360\li7920\jclisttab\tx7920\lin7920 }{\listname ;}\listid180827667}{\list\listtemplateid-1205453858\listhybrid{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace360\levelindent0{\leveltext
\leveltemplateid67698689\'01\u-3913 ?;}{\levelnumbers;}\f3\fbias0\hres0\chhres0 \fi-360\li2220\jclisttab\tx2220\lin2220 }{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\lvltentative\levelspace360\levelindent0{\leveltext
\leveltemplateid67698691\'01o;}{\levelnumbers;}\f2\fbias0\hres0\chhres0 \fi-360\li2940\jclisttab\tx2940\lin2940 }{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\lvltentative\levelspace360\levelindent0{\leveltext
\leveltemplateid67698693\'01\u-3929 ?;}{\levelnumbers;}\f10\fbias0\hres0\chhres0 \fi-360\li3660\jclisttab\tx3660\lin3660 }{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\lvltentative\levelspace360\levelindent0{\leveltext
\leveltemplateid67698689\'01\u-3913 ?;}{\levelnumbers;}\f3\fbias0\hres0\chhres0 \fi-360\li4380\jclisttab\tx4380\lin4380 }{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\lvltentative\levelspace360\levelindent0{\leveltext
\leveltemplateid67698691\'01o;}{\levelnumbers;}\f2\fbias0\hres0\chhres0 \fi-360\li5100\jclisttab\tx5100\lin5100 }{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\lvltentative\levelspace360\levelindent0{\leveltext
\leveltemplateid67698693\'01\u-3929 ?;}{\levelnumbers;}\f10\fbias0\hres0\chhres0 \fi-360\li5820\jclisttab\tx5820\lin5820 }{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\lvltentative\levelspace360\levelindent0{\leveltext
\leveltemplateid67698689\'01\u-3913 ?;}{\levelnumbers;}\f3\fbias0\hres0\chhres0 \fi-360\li6540\jclisttab\tx6540\lin6540 }{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\lvltentative\levelspace360\levelindent0{\leveltext
\leveltemplateid67698691\'01o;}{\levelnumbers;}\f2\fbias0\hres0\chhres0 \fi-360\li7260\jclisttab\tx7260\lin7260 }{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\lvltentative\levelspace360\levelindent0{\leveltext
\leveltemplateid67698693\'01\u-3929 ?;}{\levelnumbers;}\f10\fbias0\hres0\chhres0 \fi-360\li7980\jclisttab\tx7980\lin7980 }{\listname ;}\listid660935286}}{\*\listoverridetable{\listoverride\listid660935286\listoverridecount0\ls1}
{\listoverride\listid180827667\listoverridecount0\ls2}}{\*\pgptbl {\pgp\ipgp0\itap0\li0\ri0\sb0\sa0}}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid200880\rsid264011\rsid730943\rsid1316033\rsid1382529\rsid1573376\rsid1601309\rsid1654133\rsid1717144\rsid1907771\rsid1991584\rsid2642014
\rsid2969263\rsid3171595\rsid3423146\rsid3561161\rsid3963377\rsid4617342\rsid4873639\rsid4946954\rsid5003580\rsid5382493\rsid5523034\rsid6500956\rsid6630122\rsid7038520\rsid7276394\rsid8203324\rsid8340776\rsid8549593\rsid8657461\rsid8997263\rsid9310800
\rsid9373793\rsid10186147\rsid10251935\rsid11561369\rsid11561626\rsid11885825\rsid11890373\rsid12135710\rsid12208374\rsid12284785\rsid12714834\rsid13531505\rsid15615130\rsid15752148\rsid16465320}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.6818;}{\info
{\title IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE FIJI ISLANDS}{\author Usha}{\operator Kym Freriks}{\creatim\yr2008\mo9\dy3\hr9\min44}{\revtim\yr2008\mo9\dy3\hr9\min48}{\printim\yr2008\mo7\dy18\hr8\min44}{\version3}{\edmins5}{\nofpages4}{\nofwords1210}{\nofchars6902}
{\*\company Ministry of Justice}{\nofcharsws8096}{\vern16393}{\*\password 00000000}}{\*\xmlnstbl }\paperw12240\paperh15840\margl1440\margr1440\margt1440\margb245\gutter0 
\widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\formshade\horzdoc\dgmargin\dghspace180\dgvspace180\dghorigin1440\dgvorigin1440\dghshow1\dgvshow1
\jexpand\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\splytwnine\ftnlytwnine\htmautsp\nolnhtadjtbl\useltbaln\alntblind\lytcalctblwd\lyttblrtgr\lnbrkrule\nobrkwrptbl\snaptogridincell\allowfieldendsel\wrppunct\asianbrkrule\rsidroot9310800 \fet0
{\*\wgrffmtfilter 013f}\sectd \linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid9310800\sftnbj {\footerl \pard\plain \s15\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\nowidctlpar
\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\pvpara\phmrg\posxc\posy0\wraparound\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5003580 \fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp3081\langfenp1033 {\field{\*\fldinst {\cs16\insrsid11885825 PAGE  }}{\fldrslt }}\sectd 
\linex0\endnhere\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\cs16\insrsid11885825 
\par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid11885825 
\par }}{\footerr \pard\plain \s15\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\pvpara\phmrg\posxc\posy0\wraparound\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5003580 \fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp3081\langfenp1033 
{\field{\*\fldinst {\cs16\insrsid11885825 PAGE  }}{\fldrslt {\cs16\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid9373793 3}}}\sectd \linex0\endnhere\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\cs16\insrsid11885825 
\par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid11885825 
\par }}{\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}}
{\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8
\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 
\fs24\lang3081\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp3081\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9310800\charrsid9373793 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE FIJI ISLANDS
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9310800\charrsid9373793 AT SUVA
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8657461\charrsid9373793 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9310800\charrsid9373793 CIVIL APPEAL NO. CBV0004 OF 2006S
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9310800\charrsid9373793 (Fiji}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376\charrsid9373793  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9310800\charrsid9373793 Court}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376\charrsid9373793  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9310800\charrsid9373793 of Appeal No. ABU0048 of }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8340776\charrsid9373793 2}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9310800\charrsid9373793 002S)
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8657461\charrsid9373793 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9310800\charrsid9373793 BETWEEN:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1991584\charrsid9373793 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9373793\charrsid9373793 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9310800\charrsid9373793 EDDIE McCAIG
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9310800\charrsid9373793 Petitioner
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8657461\charrsid9373793 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9310800\charrsid9373793 AND:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1991584\charrsid9373793 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9373793\charrsid9373793 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9310800\charrsid9373793 ABHI MANU
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9310800\charrsid9373793 Respondent
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1573376 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9310800\charrsid9373793 
\par Coram:\tab The Hon Justice Keith Mason, Judge of the Supreme Court
\par The Hon Justice Kenneth Handley, Judge of the Supreme Court
\par The Hon Justice Ronald Sackville, Judge of the Supreme Court
\par 
\par Hearing:\tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid730943\charrsid9373793 Wednesday 16th July 2008}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9310800\charrsid9373793 , Suva
\par 
\par Counsel:\tab Mr}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376\charrsid9373793  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9310800\charrsid9373793 S}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12208374\charrsid9373793 .}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9310800\charrsid9373793  Sharma}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376\charrsid9373793  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9310800\charrsid9373793 \tab ]
\par Ms V. Chang\tab \tab ]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376\charrsid9373793  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9310800\charrsid9373793 for the Petitioner
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1573376 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9310800\charrsid9373793 Mr}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376\charrsid9373793  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9310800\charrsid9373793 C.B. Young }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8340776\charrsid9373793 \tab ]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376\charrsid9373793  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9310800\charrsid9373793 for the Respondent
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1573376 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9310800\charrsid9373793 
\par Date of}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376\charrsid9373793  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9310800\charrsid9373793 Judgment:\tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7276394\charrsid9373793 Tuesday 22nd July 2008, Suva}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9310800\charrsid1573376 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9373793 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9310800\charrsid1573376 JUDGMENT OF THE COURT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9310800\charrsid1573376 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9310800\charrsid1573376 [1]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8340776\charrsid1573376 \tab 
This is a petition for special leave to appeal to this Court }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8657461\charrsid1573376 against }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8340776\charrsid1573376 
a judgment of the Court of Appeal delivered on 24 March 2006.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8340776\charrsid1573376 
That Court set aside a judgment of the High Court of Fiji (Finnigan J) in favour of the petitioner, an orthopaedic surgeon (the defendant at first instance).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8340776\charrsid1573376 The proceedings had been brought by the present respondent, seeking damages for injuries }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8657461\charrsid1573376 and}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8340776\charrsid1573376  loss caused by the negligence of the pe}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423146\charrsid1573376 titioner while performing a disc}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8340776\charrsid1573376 ectomy on the respondent. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8657461\charrsid1573376 A dis}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423146\charrsid1573376 c}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8657461\charrsid1573376 ectomy is the surgical treatment for a ruptured or he}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423146\charrsid1573376 rni}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8657461\charrsid1573376 ated d
isc of the lumbar spine.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423146\charrsid1573376 The respondent\rquote 
s primary case was that he had become totally disabled in his urinary, bowel and sexual functions by reason of the petitioner\rquote s failure to observe the standard of ca}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12135710\charrsid1573376 r}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423146\charrsid1573376 e reasonably to be expected of a surgeon carrying out }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7038520\charrsid1573376 dis}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6630122\charrsid1573376 c}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7038520\charrsid1573376 ectomies.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8657461\charrsid1573376 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423146\charrsid1573376 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8657461\charrsid1573376 [2]\tab The Court of Appeal set aside the judgment enter}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423146\charrsid1573376 ed}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8657461\charrsid1573376  in favour of }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423146\charrsid1573376 the}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8657461\charrsid1573376  petitioner and}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8657461\charrsid1573376 substitute}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423146\charrsid1573376 d}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8657461\charrsid1573376  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423146\charrsid1573376 a}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8657461\charrsid1573376  finding on liability }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423146\charrsid1573376 of}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12714834\charrsid1573376  negligence in favour of}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12714834\charrsid1573376 the respondent.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12714834\charrsid1573376 
The matter was remitted to Finnigan J for assessment of the damages to be award}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7276394\charrsid1573376 ed}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12714834\charrsid1573376  to the respondent.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12714834\charrsid1573376 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12714834\charrsid1573376 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12714834\charrsid1573376 [3]\tab 
The Court of Appeal observed that the trial Judge had found that the respondent\rquote s}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5523034\charrsid1573376  disabil}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423146\charrsid1573376 
ities had been caused by damage}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5523034\charrsid1573376  to }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423146\charrsid1573376 his}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5523034\charrsid1573376  sacral nerve.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5003580\charrsid1573376 The Court of Appeal found, as had the trial Judge, that the damage to the sacral nerve occurred during the operation.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423146\charrsid1573376 On the petition to this Court there was no challenge to this concurrent finding of fact.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5003580\charrsid1573376 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5003580\charrsid1573376 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5003580\charrsid1573376 [4]\tab The Court }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423146\charrsid1573376 of Appeal regarded the }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5003580\charrsid1573376 evidence given by the petitioner}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423146\charrsid1573376 
 himself as important}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5003580\charrsid1573376 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5003580\charrsid1573376 In particular, he had said
 that the sacral nerves were beyond the }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423146\charrsid1573376 s}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5003580\charrsid1573376 ite of the operation and that he had not touched the nerve in }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12135710\charrsid1573376 the course}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5003580\charrsid1573376  of the operation.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5003580\charrsid1573376 The petitioner had asserted that, if there had bee}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423146\charrsid1573376 n damage}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5003580\charrsid1573376 
 to the }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423146\charrsid1573376 sacral }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5003580\charrsid1573376 nerve, it would have been recognised during the operation.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5003580\charrsid1573376 Moreover, the petitioner had acknowledged that the respondent\rquote s condition could be caused by }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5003580\charrsid1573376 a cu}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264011\charrsid1573376 t}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5003580\charrsid1573376  to}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7038520\charrsid1573376 o}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5003580\charrsid1573376  far}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5003580\charrsid1573376 
 and that a nerve can be damaged without necessarily being s}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423146\charrsid1573376 evere}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5003580\charrsid1573376 d.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5003580\charrsid1573376 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5003580\charrsid1573376 [5]\tab The petitioner had explained at the trial the risks of the operat
ion, such as an adverse response to anaesthesia, infection and a tear in the dura causing a l}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12135710\charrsid1573376 eak of}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5003580\charrsid1573376 
 fluid into the spinal canal.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5003580\charrsid1573376 The Court of Appeal considered }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12135710\charrsid1573376 it }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5003580\charrsid1573376 significant that, as }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8997263\charrsid1573376 the}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5003580\charrsid1573376 
 trial Judge had noted, the petitioner did not}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8997263\charrsid1573376  specifically}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5003580\charrsid1573376  include the risk of the sacral nerves being }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8997263\charrsid1573376 severed}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5003580\charrsid1573376  or damaged, nor did he advert to the risk of negligence}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5382493\charrsid1573376  by the surgeon. 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1382529\charrsid1573376 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5382493\charrsid1573376 [6]\tab The Court of Appeal\rquote s reasoning is}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8997263\charrsid1573376 ,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5382493\charrsid1573376  in essence}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1717144\charrsid1573376 ,}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5382493\charrsid1573376  contain a single paragraph, as follows:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8997263\charrsid1573376 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5382493\charrsid1573376  
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376 "}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8203324\charrsid1573376 T}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5382493\charrsid1573376 here is }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1717144\charrsid1573376 of course}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8203324\charrsid1573376  no direct evidence that 
the [petitioner] }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1717144\charrsid1573376 cut or}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8203324\charrsid1573376 
 damaged the sacral nerve. Indeed, he denied it although he gave no explanation as to how the nerve became damaged.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8203324\charrsid1573376 
However, we must consider what inferences can properly be drawn.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8203324\charrsid1573376 Can the [respondent] rely on inferential reasoning
 to prove negligence?}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8203324\charrsid1573376 Negligence in}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1717144\charrsid1573376  the}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8203324\charrsid1573376  [petitioner] may be proved inf}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1717144\charrsid1573376 erentially}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8203324\charrsid1573376 
 if there is no explanation of how the nerve was damaged in the operation other than under the hand of the surgeon not }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1717144\charrsid1573376 displaying}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8203324\charrsid1573376  reasonable care.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8203324\charrsid1573376 Here there is no other possibility }{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1717144\charrsid1573376 on}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8203324\charrsid1573376  the evidence }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1717144\charrsid1573376 other }{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8203324\charrsid1573376 than want of care on the part of the [petitioner].}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8203324\charrsid1573376 
On the probabilities it is likely }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264011\charrsid1573376 that}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1717144\charrsid1573376  there was }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376 "}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1717144\charrsid1573376 a }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264011\charrsid1573376 cut too far}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376 "}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264011\charrsid1573376  by the [petitioner] which damaged the nerve causing the [respondent\rquote s] conditions.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264011\charrsid1573376 There is no evidence that
 the nerve was damaged by some rare or unavoidable misadventure. Indeed, the [petitioner] gave no explanation of what might constitute a rare or unavoidable misadventure.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376 "}{
\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264011\charrsid1573376  
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264011\charrsid1573376 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264011\charrsid1573376 [7]\tab The petitioner\rquote s submission}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12135710\charrsid1573376 s}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264011\charrsid1573376  recognised that he must persuade the Court th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3963377\charrsid1573376 at}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264011\charrsid1573376  one or more of the matters specified in s}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3963377\charrsid1573376 . }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264011\charrsid1573376 7 (3) of the Sup}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3561161\charrsid1573376 reme Court Act 1998 are present if he is to succeed on his application for special leave to appeal.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264011\charrsid1573376 The petitioner\rquote s contention is that the s}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3561161\charrsid1573376 ubject matter of the case raises}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264011\charrsid1573376  issues of}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264011\charrsid1573376 substantial }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3561161\charrsid1573376 general }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264011\charrsid1573376 interest to the administration of civil justice and that it }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3561161\charrsid1573376 is necessary }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3561161\charrsid1573376 to settle the law}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264011\charrsid1573376  [relating to] medical negligence in cases in Fiji}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264011\charrsid1573376 . }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8657461\charrsid1573376 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264011\charrsid1573376 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264011\charrsid1573376 [8]\tab As became apparent in the c}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3561161\charrsid1573376 ourse}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264011\charrsid1573376 of oral argument on the petition, the outcome of the appeal in 
the Court of Appeal depended not on any }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3561161\charrsid1573376 contentious principle}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264011\charrsid1573376  of law, but on the }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3561161\charrsid1573376 application of established principles to the }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264011\charrsid1573376 specific facts of}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264011\charrsid1573376 the case.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264011\charrsid1573376 In substance, the Court of Appeal }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4946954\charrsid1573376 drew inferences from the findings of the primary facts made by the trial Judge and from the undisputed evidence }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15752148\charrsid1573376 to }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4946954\charrsid1573376 reach }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15752148\charrsid1573376 a}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4946954\charrsid1573376  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15752148\charrsid1573376 different}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4946954\charrsid1573376 conclusion}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15752148\charrsid1573376 from}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4946954\charrsid1573376 that}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4946954\charrsid1573376 the}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4946954\charrsid1573376 trial}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4946954\charrsid1573376 Judge}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15752148\charrsid1573376 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15752148\charrsid1573376 This
}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15752148\charrsid1573376 led}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15752148\charrsid1573376 their}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15752148\charrsid1573376 Lordships}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15752148\charrsid1573376 to}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15752148\charrsid1573376 the conclusion that the trial Judge had }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4946954\charrsid1573376 
erred in failing to make a finding of want of reasonable care on the part of}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4946954\charrsid1573376 the petitioner.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376 
 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4946954\charrsid1573376 While the reasoning of the Court of Appeal is economical and might well have been spelled out in more detail, its conclusion rests upon the inferences to be drawn from evi}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15752148\charrsid1573376 dence that was not in dispute in the appeal to that Court.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264011\charrsid1573376 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4946954\charrsid1573376 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4946954\charrsid1573376 [9]\tab It is true that, as the petitioner contends}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10251935\charrsid1573376 ,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4946954\charrsid1573376 
 there was no independent expert evidence adduced on behalf of the respondent at the trial. It is also true that, in general, it is necessary for a plaintiff }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12135710\charrsid1573376 who is }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4946954\charrsid1573376 seeking to establish a failure on the part of a surgeon to take reasonable care }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10251935\charrsid1573376 
to ensure the safety and well being of the patient,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4946954\charrsid1573376 
to adduce expert evidence as to the standard of care reasonably to be expected in the circumstances.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10251935\charrsid1573376 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10251935\charrsid1573376 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10251935\charrsid1573376 [10]\tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4946954\charrsid1573376 
However, in this case the Court of Appeal}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12284785\charrsid1573376  relied upon the evidence }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10251935\charrsid1573376 given by the petitioner himself to support }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12135710\charrsid1573376 the}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10251935\charrsid1573376  inferences it drew as to the want of reasonable care on his part.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10251935\charrsid1573376 The nature of that evidence is important:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12284785\charrsid1573376 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12284785\charrsid1573376 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12284785\charrsid1573376 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}}\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9373793 {
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12284785\charrsid1573376 The petitioner maintained that he was not operating close to the sacral nerve.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12284785\charrsid1573376 As he explained in evidence:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4946954\charrsid1573376 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12284785\charrsid1573376 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12284785\charrsid1573376 
the nerve to the bladder is at Suva, we were operating at Nadi}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12284785\charrsid1573376 .
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12284785\charrsid1573376 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10251935\charrsid1573376 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}}\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9373793 {
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10251935\charrsid1573376 If there}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12284785\charrsid1573376  w}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10251935\charrsid1573376 as}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12284785\charrsid1573376  damag}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10251935\charrsid1573376 e}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12284785\charrsid1573376  to the sacral nerve, }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10251935\charrsid1573376 the petitioner}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12284785\charrsid1573376  would have recognised th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12135710\charrsid1573376 e damage}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12284785\charrsid1573376  during the operation.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12284785\charrsid1573376 He did not suggest that he had }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6500956\charrsid1573376 in fact }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12284785\charrsid1573376 recognised any such d}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7038520\charrsid1573376 amage.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12284785\charrsid1573376 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12284785\charrsid1573376 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6500956\charrsid1573376 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}}\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9373793 {
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6500956\charrsid1573376 The petitioner ac}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12284785\charrsid1573376 cepted that, for the sacral nerve to }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6500956\charrsid1573376 have }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12135710\charrsid1573376 been }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12284785\charrsid1573376 damaged}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6500956\charrsid1573376  during the operation}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12284785\charrsid1573376 , he would have }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6500956\charrsid1573376 had }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12284785\charrsid1573376 to go}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12284785\charrsid1573376 t}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6500956\charrsid1573376 o}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12284785\charrsid1573376 o far.}
{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12284785\charrsid1573376 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1382529\charrsid1573376 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12284785\charrsid1573376 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}}\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9373793 {
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12284785\charrsid1573376 The petitioner did not specifically claim that damage to the sacral nerve was a recognised complication of }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6500956\charrsid1573376 a discectomy}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12284785\charrsid1573376  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12284785\charrsid1573376 without any negligence on the part of the surgeon. 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12284785\charrsid1573376 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\f3\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12284785\charrsid1573376 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}}\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9373793 {
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12284785\charrsid1573376 The petitioner }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6500956\charrsid1573376 offered}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12284785\charrsid1573376 
 no explanation in his evidence as to how the sacral nerve could have been damaged without negligence on his part.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3171595\charrsid1573376 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3171595\charrsid1573376 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6500956\charrsid1573376 [11}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3171595\charrsid1573376 ]\tab }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6500956\charrsid1573376 As we have noted, it was }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3171595\charrsid1573376 common ground on the petition for }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6500956\charrsid1573376 
leave to appeal that the damage}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3171595\charrsid1573376  to the respondent\rquote s sacral nerve occurred in the c}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6500956\charrsid1573376 our}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3171595\charrsid1573376 se of the operation. Given this fact, }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6500956\charrsid1573376 in our opinion }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3171595\charrsid1573376 
the petitioner\rquote s }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6500956\charrsid1573376 own }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3171595\charrsid1573376 evidence justified the Court of Appeal }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10186147\charrsid1573376 in }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3171595\charrsid1573376 inferring that, on the balan}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10186147\charrsid1573376 ce of pro
babilities, the damage}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3171595\charrsid1573376  to the sacral nerve had occurred because the petitioner went }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3171595\charrsid1573376 too far}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3171595\charrsid1573376  in the c}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10186147\charrsid1573376 ours}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3171595\charrsid1573376 e of the operation and did so without exercising }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10186147\charrsid1573376 
that degree of }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3171595\charrsid1573376 care reasonably to be expected of a surgeon undertaking }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10186147\charrsid1573376 an }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3171595\charrsid1573376 operation of this kind.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3171595\charrsid1573376 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3171595\charrsid1573376 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1382529\charrsid1573376 [12]\tab 
It follows from what we have said that special leave to appeal should be refused on two grounds.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1382529\charrsid1573376 
First, the petition does not present any matter of substantial general interest to the administration of justice.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1573376  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1382529\charrsid1573376 
Secondly, we see no error in the conclusion reached to the Court of Appeal.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1382529\charrsid1573376 
\par [13]\tab The petition must be dismissed with costs. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3171595\charrsid1573376 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3171595\charrsid1573376 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3171595\charrsid1573376 The Hon Justice Keith Mason
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3171595\charrsid9373793 Judge of the Supreme Court
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9373793 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3171595\charrsid1573376 The Hon Justice Kenneth Handley
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3171595\charrsid9373793 Judge of the Supreme Court
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3171595\charrsid1573376 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3171595\charrsid1573376 The Hon Justice Ronald Sackville}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9373793 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3171595\charrsid9373793 Judge of the Supreme Court
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3171595\charrsid1573376 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3171595\charrsid9373793 Solicitors:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9373793 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3171595\charrsid9373793 Attorney-General\rquote s Chambers, Suva for the Petitioner
\par Young and Associates, Lautoka for the Respondent
\par }}