The Untouchable.
Recently I went for small claims at the small claims tribunal. (Claim no: SCT/7652/2008). On the day set for the hearing on 20/01 /2009, only one respondent, the husband turned up. The other respondent, ie; wife was not present. The respondents were supposed to be the wife and husband. The referee on the day was either not aware that there were two respondents or are too busy and overlooked this critical fact.
As a Singapore citizen, I felt that the referee had erred in allowing the proceeding to go through. It would set a precedent and flood gate for abusers in the future.
I made a compliant to the small claims tribunal but was told to appeal if I am not satisfied with the outcome of the ruling.
The questioned I posed to them was not answered. i.e.; was it proper to allow the proceeding of the hearing to go on, if only one respondent is present? If not can the outcome of the hearing be fair?
With a bit of common sense the proper things the referee should do ,are to ask why the other respondent did not turn up. He should adjourn the hearing and issue a letter of summon for the other party to turn up or explain why she need not attend?
Unfortunately the small claims court chose not to rectify or educate the said referee.
Although the claims amounts are insignificant but the ruling of the court to allow this
have far reaching repercussion if not clarified and will set a precedent for others to
follow in Singapore.
I hope through this channel, well learned professionals or bodies can help to put it to the right persons or bodies in the government to put this record right.
Thanks
Yours truly,
The denfendants are husband and wife.
Both of them is liable for whatever outcome the judge meted out.
And either party can take full responsibility oneself or work out among themselves to share the outcome of the punishments.