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\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1914038 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3699642 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1914038\charrsid16329160  FIJI}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16329160  ISLANDS
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\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1914038\charrsid3699642 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid3699642 CIVIL APPEAL NO. CBV0004 OF 2009S}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1914038\charrsid3699642 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 (Court of Appeal No.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3699642  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5587977 AB}{
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 FIJI PUBLIC SERVICE ASSOCIATION
\par 2. FIJIAN TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION
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\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid1914038 
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\par 2. ATTORNEY GENERAL OF FIJI
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1914038 (}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 Respondents}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1914038 )}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542 
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\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16203542 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 In Court:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 The Hon Justice Randall Powell, Judge of the Supreme Court
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1914038 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid7695448 Hearing: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7695448 Tuesday, 31}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid7695448\charrsid7695448 st}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7695448  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid7695448 March 2009, Suva}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1914038 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 Counsel:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 Mr. Viren Kapadia}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7695448 ]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7695448 for the 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid7695448\charrsid7695448 st}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7695448  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 Petitioner
\par Mr. Joni }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid131439\charrsid16203542 Madraiwiwi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid131439 ]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7695448 
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\par Mr. Sharvada Sharma]
\par Ms. Mere Rakuita]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3359751 \cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid16203542\yts17 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3359751 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5587977 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3359751\charrsid16203542 for the Respondents}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3359751 \cell }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 
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\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 Date of Ruling:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7695448 Wednesday, 1}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid7695448\charrsid7695448 st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542  April 2009, Suva}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542 
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\par [1]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 Section 38(2) of the Constitution prohibits discrimination on specified groun}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid937872 ds including age but section 38}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 (7) excuses the discrimination if it is }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid937872 "}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid7695448 reasonable and justifiable in a free and democratic society}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 .}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid937872 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7695448 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 [2]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 The Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) and the Fiji
 Public Service Association (FPSA) challenged a decision of the Public Service Commission (PSC) to reduce the retirement age of public servants from 60 to 55, and on 20 December 2007 the High Court }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6491314 (J}
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 itoko J) quashed the decision finding that section 38(2) of the Constitution was infringed and that the PSC had not established that it came within the section 38(7) exception.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7695448 
\par [3] }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 On 11 March 2009 the Court of Appeal, following a hearing on 21 November 2008, upheld an appeal by the PSC and the Attorney-General (the Court of Appeal decision).
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7695448 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 [4]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 
By amended petitions for special leave to appeal both filed 27 March 2009 the FTA and t
he FPSA seek leave to appeal to the Supreme Court. The FPSA by Notice of Motion filed 18 March 2009 also seeks a stay of the Court of Appeal decision pending the determination of the Supreme Court appeal.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7695448 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 [5]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 On 24 March 2009 the President of the Supreme 
Court granted an interim stay until 31 March 2009 and made directions for the filing of affidavits.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7695448 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 [6]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 
The FTA filed an affidavit sworn by Maika Namudu on 25 March 2009, the FPSA filed an affidavit sworn by its General Secretary Rajeshwar Singh on 27 March 2009 and the PSC and the Attorney-General filed an affidavit sworn by Ta}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6768447 ina Tagicakibau on 30 March 2009}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 The FPSA then filed an affidavit in reply by Mr Singh also sworn on 30 March 2009.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7695448 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid7695448 Leave to Appeal to the Supreme Court
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7695448 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 [7]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 
Section 122 of the Constitution provides that an appeal may not be brought from a final judgment of the Court of Appeal unless:
\par 
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\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 the Court of Appeal gives leave to appeal on a question certified by it to be of s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6768447 ignificant public importance or}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 ;
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\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 the Supreme Court gives leave to appeal.
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Section 7(3) of the Supreme Court Act 1998 (the Act) provides that in relation to a civil matter the Supreme Court must not grant special leave to appeal unless the case raises.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7695448 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7695448 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 (a)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 a far-reaching question of law;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7695448 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7695448 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7695448 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 (b)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 a matter of great general or public importance;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7695448 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7695448 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7695448 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 (c)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 a matter that is otherwise of substantial general i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7695448 nterest to the administration of}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542  justice.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16203542 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7695448 
\par [9] }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 Section 11 of the Act provides that a single judge of the Supreme Court may exercise any power ve
sted in the Supreme Court not involving the decision of an appeal, though in civil matters any order made by a single judge may be varied, discharged or reversed by a Supreme Court constituted by 3 judges.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7695448 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 [10}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7695448 ]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 The respondents contend that the Court of Ap
peal decision does not depend on contentious principles of law but on the application of established principles to the specific facts of the case.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7695448 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 [11]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 
That may or may not be so, but the Court of Appeal decision clearly falls within section 7(3}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid131439\charrsid16203542 ) (}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 b) of the Act.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 It is not disputed that thousands of people will be directly affected by the Court of Appeal decision.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7695448 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 [12]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 Leave to appeal to the Supreme Court is gr}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7695448 anted to the FPSA and the FTA. I}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542  made this order on 31 March 2009 and reserved the question of a st
ay until 1 April 2009, extending the interim stay until then.
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid3685218 Stay
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3685218\charrsid16203542 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3685218 [13]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 
The overriding principle of any stay application is that of upholding the interests of justice in the particular circumstances.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 
The principal ground for the application in the current proceedings is that unless a stay is granted the appeal may be rendered nugatory for those public servants who have already reached the age of 55.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3685218 
\par [14]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542  The earliest that an appeal to the Supreme Court could be heard and determined is June this year and,
 absent a stay, the persons in this category could be dismissed in the meantime.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 The respondents say that they could }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid6768447 "}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid3685218 always rejoin the civil service}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3685218\charrsid3685218 \'85.}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid3685218 .. and get compensation for any }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6491314 loss that they may }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid3685218 
suffer.}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid6768447 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 
 In my view that is very problematical. It seems unlikely that they would be re-employed, at least not in the same position, and loss of employment cannot always be compensated by the payment of money.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3685218 
\par [15]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 The respondents say that a stay would deprive t
he government of critically needed capital and national development programs because 82% of the annual budget is used up in providing salaries and allowances and operational expenditure for Fiji's 35,000 public servants. Moreover there are thousands of un
employed young graduates whose only real prospect of employment is in the public service.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3685218 
\par [16]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 
These are powerful arguments but against that I note that this situation has pertained since the High Court decision on 20 December 2007 through to the Court of Appeal hearing on 21 November 2008 and until delivery of its judgment on 11 March 2009.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3685218 
\par [17]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 
The respondents counter this by saying that the financial situation has become more critical since the Global Financial Crisis and that the effect of the decision of Jitoko J has had particular impact since 1 January 2009.
\par 
\par [18]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 
The Court has to perform a difficult balancing act but with the co-operation of the parties a special sitting of the Supreme Court ought to be able to hear this matter in June this year and
 deliver a judgment very shortly thereafter. Taking this and the matters in the preceding 5 paragraphs into account, in my judgment the balance tips in favour of the petitioners.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3685218 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 [19]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 
A consideration highly relevant to the granting of a stay is whether there are arguable grounds of appeal.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 
In order to justify a stay of execution an applicant must be able to point to circumstances that warrant a departure from the general rule that the judgment below should be presumed to be co}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3685218 
rrect and liable to be enforced.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3685218 
\par [20}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 ]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 
The affidavits and counsel today have sought to canvas in some detail the merits of the Court of Appeal decision, but it is not part of my function to form any opinion, preliminary or otherwise, as to the likely outcome of an appeal to the Supreme Court.

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3685218 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 [21]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid9598510  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid9598510 "}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid3685218 Arguable"}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 
 doesn't mean a winning argument. It is not a particularly high hurdle for an applicant for a stay to jump.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3685218 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 [22]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 
There is an apparent internal inconsistency between what is said in paragraphs 1 and 32 of Bruce JA's judgment but Bru
ce JA appears to have decided that the decision of the PSC infringed section 38(2) of the Constitution but that the infringement was excused by section 38(7) whereas the majority (Khan & Byrne JJA) held that section 38(2) was not infringed and that sectio
n 38(7) did not come into play.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 Only Jitoko J f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3685218 
ully considered the effect of s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14313147 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3685218  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 38(7).
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3685218 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 [23] There is a duplication or near duplication of twenty two paragraphs of the judgments of Khan & Bruce JJA. The paragraphs seem to properly belong to the judgment of K
han JA. Their adoption by Bruce JA may not make for felicitous reading but otherwise this matter doesn't seem to be relevant.
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3685218 [24]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 
It seems to me that there are arguable grounds of appeal because, simply put, it appears that at least two of the four judges w}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3685218 ho have considered this matter (J}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 itoko J and Bruce JA) were (in Jitoko J's case) or may have been (in Bruce JA's case) of the opinion that section 38(2) of the Constitution was infringed. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3685218\charrsid16203542 In}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542  light of that fact alone I find that the appeal is arguable.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3685218 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 [25]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 
The appeal being arguable and because there is a risk of irremediable consequences for FPSA's members if a stay is not granted, the decision of the Court of Appeal must be stayed until further order of the Supreme Court.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3685218 
\par [26]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 The orders of the Court are:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3685218 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14497183 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3685218 1. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 
Leave is granted to the FTA and FPSA to appeal to the Supreme Court}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14497183 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14497183\charrsid16203542 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14497183 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 2.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 The decision of the Court of Appeal is stayed until the decision of the Supreme Court or further order.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14497183 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14497183\charrsid16203542 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14497183 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 3.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid16203542 Costs of the Motions to be costs in the Supreme Court cause.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3699642 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid793291\charrsid793291 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3699642 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid3699642 The Hon. Justice Randall Powell}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid793291\charrsid3699642 
\par J}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid3699642 udge of the Supreme Court
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16203542 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid793291 
\par }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid3699642 Solicitors}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3699642 :}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid3699642 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid3699642 Sher}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid793291\charrsid3699642 ani and Company, Suva for the 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid793291\charrsid3699642 st}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid793291\charrsid3699642  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid131439 Petitioner}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid793291\charrsid3699642 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid3699642 Howards Lawyers, Suva for the 2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid3699642 nd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid131439  Petitioner}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid793291\charrsid3699642 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16203542\charrsid3699642 Office of the Attorney General's Chambers, Suva for the Respondents
\par }}