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,