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2011}{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Calanchini, Justice of the Supreme Court \par }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid918046 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 RULING ON EXTENSION OF TIME}{ \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid918046 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par Mr V Mishra for Petitioner [Applicant] \par Mr A K Narayan for Respondent [Respondent] \par \par }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Introduction \par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par [1]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 This is an application by Repeka Naba for leave to file out of time an application for special leave to appeal to this Court and that the time for filing the same be extended. \par \par [2]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 This application comes before me pursuant to section 11 of the Supreme Court Act 1998 (the Act) which provides that a single Judge of the Supreme Court may exercise any power vested in the Supreme Court not involving the deci sion of an appeal or reference.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Section 14 of the Act provides that for the purpose of the Act the Supreme Court has in relation to matters that come before it all the power and authority of the Court of Appeal which may be exercised as required according to the circumstances of the case.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Finally, Rule 46 of the Supreme Court Rules 1998 provides that the High Court Rules and the Court of Appeal Rules apply with necessary modification to the practice and procedure of the Supreme Court. \par \par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 The Application \par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par [3]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 The Petitioner is seeking an extension of time for filing an application for special leave to appeal a judgment of the Court of Appeal delivered on 14 July 2006. \par \par [4]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Rule 6 of the Supreme Court Rules states: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid918046 {\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 "}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 A petition (for special leave to appeal) and affidavit in support must:}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid918046 {\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (a)\tab}}\pard\plain \s15\ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid918046 \f36\fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 be lodged at the Court registry within 42 days of the date of the decision from which special leave to appeal is sought; and}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid918046 {\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (b)\tab}}\pard \s15\ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid918046 { \b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 be served upon the registrar and all parties to the proceedings who are directly affected by the petition.}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 "}{ \b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid918046 \f36\fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par [5]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 The application before the Court is dated 22 February and was filed on 24 February 2011.}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 A period of some four and a half years has elapsed between the date of the Court of Appeal judgment and the present application. \par \par [6]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Rule 20 (4) of the Supreme Court Rules enables the Court, for good and sufficient cause, to grant an extension of time subject to any conditions that may be imposed. \par \par }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Principles \par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par [7]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 The power to extend the time for an appeal is discretionary, and has to be exercised j udicially, having regard to established principles.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 The following factors are usually considered when determining an application for an extension of time, namely (a) the length of the delay, (b) the reasons for the delay, (c) whether there is an arguable case on the appeal and (d) the degree of prejudice to the respondent if time is extended. \par \par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Delay and Reasons for Delay \par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par [8]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 I have already indicated that the delay is well over four years.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 This is considerable and unusual.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Consequently it is necessary to consider whether the reason explains and excuses the delay and would provide sufficient grounds for me to proceed to consider merit and prejudice. \par \par [9]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 The reason for the delay is set out in the affidavit of Pamela Kenilorea sworn on 22 February 2011.}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 P ut simply, the reason why an extension of time is sought is because there has been a change in the law concerning the interpretation of section 11 of the Motor Vehicles (Third Party Insurance) Act Cap 177 (The Third Party Insurance Act). \par \par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 CHANGE IN LAW \par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par [10]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 The Court of Appeal, admittedly reluctantly, dismissed the appeal and affirmed the decision of the judge at first instance who had found that the respondent Tower Insurance (Fiji) Limited was not liable to pay damages awarded to the Appellant because t he third party policy did not cover a driver who did not hold a driving licence.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 In reaching that conclusion the Court of Appeal followed an earlier decision of the Court in }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Ashok Kumar and Chandra Mati Singh \endash v- Sun Insurance Company Limited}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 (unreported civil appeal No. 72 of 2004 delivered 11 November 2005). \par \par [11]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 It is claimed by the Petitioner that the law has changed as a result of the recent decision of this Court in }{ \b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Sun Insurance \endash v- Pranish Prakash Chand}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 (unreported civil appeal No. 5 of 2008 deliv ered on 15 October 2010) \par \par [12]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 There are perhaps two delays that need to be considered.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 The first delay relates to the time between the decision of the Court of Appeal delivered on 14 July 2006 and the date the application was filed.}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 The second delay is the time between the decision of the Supreme Court delivered on 15 October 2010 and the date the application was filed.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 There is no attempt to satisfactorily explain the second delay.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Putting that matter to one side for the present, the more pressing issue concerns the first delay. \par \par [13]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 The issue at this stage is whether a change in the law provides a sound basis for seeking leave to appeal some four years out of time.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 The change in the law involves an interpretation by this Court of a statutory provision.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 The decision means that there can now be recovery under a compulsory policy of insurance under circumstances where previously insurance companies had successfully avoided liability. \par \par [14]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 The Petitioner submits that there has been a change in the law in the sense that previous misconceived decisions about the meaning of a section in a statute have been put right, which provides a good ground for allowing an extension of time in which to seek special leave to appeal.}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Whether such an occurrence provides a sufficient justification for the delay of some four years is in the first place dependent upon whether the decision of this Court in }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Sun Insurance \endash v- Pranesh Prakash Chand}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 (supra) delivered on 15 October 2010 operates retrospectively.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 In other words, can the Petitioner now rely on that decision as representing the interpretation of the section in the relevant legislation that applied in July 2006.}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Alternatively, is it sufficient that the Court of Appeal applied the interpretation of the section that h ad hitherto been applied by that Court in similar cases. \par \par [15]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 It is appropriate, at this stage, to make three observations about the present proceedings. \par \par [16]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 First, the judge at first instance found that the respondent was not liable to pay because the policy did not cover a driver who did not hold a driving licence.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 The driver was a sixteen year old youth and unlicenced at the time }{\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 "}{\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 of the accident}{ \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 "}{\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 .}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 The accident involved the petitioner then a girl of 6 years old being struck by the vehicle driven by the unlicensed driver.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 There was no dispute that the owner of the vehicle at the time of the accident was insured under a policy of third party insurance as required by the Act. \par \par [17]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 The Court of Appeal considered and applied the earlier decision of the Court in }{ \b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Ashok Kumar}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 (supra).}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 As an intermediate appellate court and no doubt mindful of the consequent need for the legal certainty resulting from the binding effect of its previous decisions, the Court of Appeal considered itself bound by the earlier de cision of the Court and was unable to distinguish the appeal from }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Ashok Kumar}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 (supra).}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 In }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Ashok Kumar}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 (supra) it was not disputed that the driver of the insured vehicle did not hold any driving licence at the time of the accident.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Furthermore it would appear that the Court could not apply any of the clearly defined exceptions that were set out in }{ \b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Young \endash v- Bristol Aeroplane Co. Ltd}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 [1944] 2 All ER 293.}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 In }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Davis \endash v- Johnson}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 [1978] 1 All ER 1132, the House of Lords re-affirmed this principle }{\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 "}{ \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 expressly and unequivocally.}{\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 "}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 This decision has, in my judgment, the effect of closing the door on any attempt to widen the well \endash defined exceptions set out in }{ \b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Young}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 (supra).}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 This view of the binding effect of previous Court of Appeal decisions had been confirmed in }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Ambika Nand and Others \endash v- Mohammed Samsuden Sahu Khan}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 (unrepresented civil appeal No.66 of 1995 delivered 14 August 1997). \par \par [18]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Secondly, the Petitioner had not previously sought to appeal the decision of the Court of Appeal.}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 She could have sought leav e from the Court of Appeal or special leave from this Court within the time limits prescribed by the Rules of the Court.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 It is difficult to say whether it was because of or in spite of the comments made by the Court of Appeal in paragraph 39 of its judgment: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid918046 {\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 "}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 We have mentioned that the effect of section 6 (1) (b) of the Act has allowed insurance companies to avoid the principal reason for compulsory third party insurance, namely the protection of innocent victims of road accidents.}{ \b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 For 28 years since the suggestion was made by Kermode J in }{ \b\i\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Michael Raman \endash v- R}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 (unreported criminal appeal No. 27 of 1978 delivered 30 May 1978) the Courts have repeatedly called for legislative change to bring the law in Fiji into line with one or other of the various systems in other jurisdictions.}{ \b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 We, again, repeat that request.}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{ \b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Until something is done, cases like the present will continue where the appellant is unlikely ever to be able to recover the damages she had been}{ \b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 awarded and clearly needs.}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 "}{ \b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid918046 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par [19]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Whatever the reas on, the Petitioner did not seek to appeal the 2006 decision of the Court of Appeal until recently and, in effect, only as a result of the decision of this Court in }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Sun Insurance \endash v- Pranesh Prakash Chand}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 (supra) \par \par [20]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Thirdly, in its decision in Sun Insura nce (supra) this Court did not refer to the decision of the Court of Appeal in the present proceedings.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 It referred with approval to the decision of }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Mills\endash Owen CJ in Murtaza Khan \endash v- R}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 (1965) 11 FLR 161. \par \par [21]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 The Court stated in paragraph 68 that}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 :}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par }{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid918046 {\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 "}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 T he authority _ _ _ of Mills-Owen CJ in Murtaza Khan in our view (reflects) the true intent of the United Kingdom legislature in 1930 and 1934 and (is) authority supporting the view we have ourselves formed.}{ \b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 "}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid918046 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par [22]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 It should be noted that in }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Murtaza Khan}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 (supra), the issue was whether the policy issued under the Act extended to a private vehicle in respect of which a fare was charged on isolated occasions. \par \par [23]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 The Court also referred to }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Dominion Insurance Company Limited \endash v- Bamforth and Others}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 (unreported civil appeal No.CBV 5 of 2002 delivered 24 October 2003).}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 The proceedings arose out of a motor accident and involved, amongst other things, a conclusion that the time limit fixed under section 11 (3) of the Act was directory rather than mandatory.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 The Court of Appeal held that if there was substantial compliance with the time limit contained in the section the purpose of the provision would have been achieved.}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 As a result the notice of the commencement of proceedings that had been given to the insurer 1 3 days after they began rather than within 7 days as required by the Act did not entitle the Appellant to avoid its statute imposed liability to pay the judgment amount. \par \par [24]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Finally, in paragraph 72 this Court commented on the decision of the Court of Appeal in }{ \b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Ashok Kumar}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 (supra) as follows: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid918046 {\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 "}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 In the view of this Court }{\b\i\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Ashok Kumar and Another \endash v- Sun Insurance Company Limited }{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 (supra) it is open to question as to whether it was correctly decided.}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 The driving restriction for permitted drivers depends on their having held and not having been disqualified from holding or obtaining a licence.}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{ \b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 The restriction to exclude drivers who have failed to renew their driving licence after thirty days from its expiry would seem to be an insurance company device to avoid liability.}{ \b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 It is arguably within the mischief of the 1934 Road Traffic Act Paul II reforms in the United Kingdom.}{ \b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 "}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid918046 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par [25]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 It is clear that this Court disapproved of the practice of an insurer claiming it could avoid liability under the Act in a case wher e the driver had held a valid licence prior to the accident but had failed to renew it within 30 days when the accident occurred.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 In }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Ashok Kumar}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 (supra) the learned judge at first instance had found that the driver Ratu Peni Kurusoni did not hold a driver}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 '}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 s licence at the time of the accident.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Furthermore, the learned trial judge also found that Ratu Peni Kurusoni was driving under the influence of liquor at the relevant time.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 [See }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Sun Insurance Company Limited \endash v- Ratu Peni Kurusoni, Mohammed Islam, Ashok Kumar and Another}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 (unreported civil action No.238 of 2002 at Lautoka delivered 23 September 2004)]. \par \par [26]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Returning to the principal issue concerning the retrospective effect of the decision of this Court in the }{ \b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Sun Insurance \endash v- Chand}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 (supra).}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 The Court}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 '}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 s statement of principles in paragraph 68 of its judgment provided what it described as the first of two independent reasons for dismissing the insurer}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 '}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 s appeal.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 The Court did }{ \b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 not}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 accept the proposition that section 11 of the Third Party Insurance Act only confers third party rights against an insurer where at the time of the event the insured and his permitted user of the insured vehicle were not in any breach of conditions on the policy.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 The reasons for that proposition were then stated in some detail by the Court.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 The proposition is sufficiently wide to cover a range of fact situations including where a driver has never held a licence, driving whilst disqualified, failing to renew a driving licence and charging a fee for a passenger}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 '}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 s journey. \par \par [27]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 I accept that the Court of Appeal decision in }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Pranesh Prakash Chand \endash v- Sun Insurance Company Limited}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 (unreported civil appeal No. ABU 42 of 2006 delivered on 11 July 2008) was considering both the Third Party Insurance Act and the policy in the context of the use of the insured vehicle rather than the status of the driver of the insured vehicle.}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 The rationale for the Court of Appeal}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 '}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 s decision in that case was conveniently stated in paragraph 29: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid918046 {\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 "}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 It seems to this Court that an exclusion based on the purpose for which a vehicle is being used offends section 6(1) of the Act which provides that the policy must be a policy which insures the person, persons or classes of person }{ \b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 "}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 in respect of any liability which may be incurred by him or them in respect of t he death of or bodily injury to any person caused by or arising out of the use of that vehicle}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 "}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 , and which section specifies the liability that can be excluded, which does not include an exclusion based on the purpose for which the motor vehicle was being used.}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 "}{ \b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid918046 {\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 [28]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 As the Court of Appeal pointed out, to hold otherwise would mean that a vehicle could be in and out of cover during the course of a morning depending upon the purpose for which it was being used. \par \par [29]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 The Court of Appeal also conveniently set out what it considered to be the essential scheme of the legislation.}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 In paragraph 31 the court said: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid918046 {\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 "}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Section 6 mandates that a third party insurance policy must cover any liability arising out of the use of the insured vehicle, apart from specified matters.}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{ \b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Section 10 permits an insurer, as between the insurer and the insured in relation to eight specified matters, to restrict the insurer}{ \b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 '}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 s liability to the insured, but provides that those restrictions will be of no effect as between the insurer and t he injured third party.}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 "}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid918046 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par [30]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 The Court continued in paragraph 32:}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid918046 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 "}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 The words in section 11 (1) }{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 "}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 being a liability covered by the terms of the policy}{ \b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 "}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 have to be read as being a liability covered by the policy in accordance with the Act.}{ \b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 "}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid918046 {\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 [31]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 In the same decision the Court of Appeal considered its earlier decision in }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Ashok Kumar}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 (supra).}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 The Court of Appeal considered }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Ashok Kumar}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 (supra) to be correctly decided on the basis that policy wording that sought to restrict cover to owners who held a licence and to persons driving with the owner}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 '}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 s permission who held a licence at the relevant time was not in breach of section 6 (1) (b) of the Third Party Insurance Act because the section permitted the insurer to insure such person, persons a classes of persons as may be specified in the policy. \par \par [32]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 These observations concerning its earlier decision in the}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{ \b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Ashok Kumar}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 appeal (supra) were of course only obiter.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Nevertheless the reasoning of this Court in its decision on the appeal has the effect of confirming the Court of Appeal}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 '}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 s decision so far as it concerned the issue before it but at the same time disapproved and rejected the Court of Appeal}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 '}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 s observations on its early decision in }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Ashok Kumar}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 (supra). \par \par [33]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 The general principle that the common law operates retrospectively means that this Court}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 '}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 s decision must be applied by a court at first instance and an intermediate appellate court in respect of any proceedings that give rise to an issue concerning the interpretation of section 11 of the Third Party Insurance Act.}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 It will make no difference whether the policy came into existence and/or the event giving rise to a claim occurred before or after the decision of the Supreme Court in }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Sun Insurance}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 (supra). \par \par [34]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 However in my judgment this form of retrospective operation does not provide a basis for a substantial extension of time to appeal the decision of an intermediate court of appeal.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 The decision of the Court of Appeal in these proceedings was in accordance with the principles of precedent and was considered to be the correct interpretation and application of the legislation. \par \par [35]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 In reaching this conclusion I have been assisted by the decision of the Court of Appeal in }{ \b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 R v Cottrell}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 [2007] 1 WLR 3262.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Sir Igor Judge P at page 3277 stated: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid918046 {\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 "}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 In short, the principle is that the defendant seeking leave to appeal out of time is generally expected to point to something more that the mere fact that the criminal law has changed, or been corrected, or developed.}{ \b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 If the appeal is effectively based on a change of law, and nothing else, but the conviction was properly returned at the time, after a fair trial, it is unlikely that a substantial injustice occurred.}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 "}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid918046 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par [36]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Furthermore, in }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Eyre \endash v- Wynn \endash MacKenzie}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 [1896] 1 Ch 135 Lindley LJ stated the pos ition in relation to the effect of a statute that changed the law in relation to mortgage profit costs on judgments given before the Act was passed.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 He said: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid918046 {\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 "}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 If this application is to be regarded as an appeal on the merits, it is impossible for us to say that the law was wrong as the law stood at the time when it was given.}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{ \b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 It is obvious that the Act was not intended to interfere with judgments which had already been given by the Court.}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{ \b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 If we gave leave to appeal in this case, we should be re-opening all judgments of a similar kind which had been given prior to the passing of the Act.}{ \b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 We cannot do that.}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 "}{ \b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid918046 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par [37]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 In my judgment there is no reason why the same cannot be said about a final appellate court}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 '}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 s decision that effects a change in the law.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 It cannot be said that the Court of Appeal decision was wrong as the law stood at the time when it was given. \par \par [38]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 As a result I have concluded that the change in law reason does not justify the delay and is not a ground for granting an extension of time. \par \par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 SPECIAL LEAVE \par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par [39]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 I should also indicate at this stage that I do not consider that, on the material that is before me, the Petitioner would be able to satisfy the requirements under section 7 (3) of the Act for the grant of special leave that is required pu rsuant to section 8 (2) of the Administration of Justice Decree 2009. \par \par [40]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Section 7(3) of the Act states: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid918046 {\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 "}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 In relation to a civil matter _ _ _ the Supreme Court must not grant special leave to appeal unless the case raises: \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid918046 {\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (a)\tab}}\pard\plain \s15\ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid918046 \f36\fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 a far-reaching question of law;}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid918046 {\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (b)\tab}}\pard \s15\ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid918046 { \b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 a matter of great general or public importance;}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid918046 {\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (c)\tab}}\pard \s15\ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid918046 { \b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 a matter that is otherwise of substantial general interest to the administration of civil justice.}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 "}{ \b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid918046 \f36\fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par [41]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 In }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Bulu \endash v- Housing Authority}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 (unreported civil appeal CBV 11 of 2004 delivered on 8 April 2005) t his Court noted that section 7 (3) has substantially codified the principles developed by the Privy Council for the grant of special leave.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 In my judgment section 7(3) has not only codified those principles but has to some extent narrowed their application in Fiji.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 In the same decision the Court noted that it had regularly applied the principles developed by the Privy Council over a number of years.}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 The Court referred to the decision in }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Daily Telegraph Newspaper Company \endash v- McLaughten}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 [1904] AC 776.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 In doing so the Court accepted that: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid918046 {\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 "}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 The case had to be one of gravity involving matter of public interest, or some important question of law, or affecting property of considerable amount and where the case is otherwise of some public importance or of a very substantial character.}{ \b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Even so special leave would be refused if the judgment s ought to be appealed from was plainly right, or not attended with sufficient doubt to justify the grant of special leave.}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{ \b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 A decision on the facts of a particular case _ _ _ did not warrant the grant of special leave.}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 "}{ \b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid918046 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par [42]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Since the decision in }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Bulu \endash v- Housing Authority}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 (supra) this Court has continued to adopt the same approach when considering applications for special leave to appeal.}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 (See }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Dr Ganesh Chand \endash v- Fiji Times Limited and Margaret Wise }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 (unreported civil appeal CBV of 2009 delivered 8 April 2011) and }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Praveena}{ \b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 '}{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 s BP Service Station Limited \endash v- Fiji Gas Limited}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 (unreported civil appeal CBV 18 of 2008 delivered 26 April 2011)}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 ).}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par \par [43]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 In the present application it is apparent that the reasoning of the Supreme Court in }{ \b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Sun Insurance}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 (supra) was expressed in sufficiently wide terms to conclude that it has changed the law in a manner which would otherwise have also applied to the facts of the present case.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 The subject ma tter of the present proceedings is therefore now essentially a matter relating to the rights of an injured third party to recover from an insurance company damages awarded against a negligent driver of the insured vehicle.}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 It raises no more than a question connected with the construction of an agreement.}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 The law has been changed.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 The interpretation that courts in this country are required to adopt in respect of section 11 of the Third Party Insurance Act has been determined by this Court.}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Under those circumstances it would appear that the present petition would not meet the threshold prescribed by section 7 (3). \par \par [44]}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 In those circumstances I must decline the application for leave to file out of time a petition for special leave to appeal. }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 In view of the unusual nature of this application, I direct that the parties should pay their own costs. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid918046 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 W.D. Calanchini \par }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 Judge of the Supreme Court \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid918046 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid918046\charrsid918046 \par 24 June 2011 \par }}