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\f36\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT SUVA
\par CIVIL JURISDICTION
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 
\par ADMIRALTY ACTION NO. 4 OF 1992
\par 
\par Between:
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 FRESH FISH EXPORTERS (FIJI) LIMITED
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 Plaintiff
\par 
\par - and -
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 WASAWASA FISHERIES LIMITED
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 Defendant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12088220 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 
\par Mr. R. Smith for the Plaintiff
\par Dr. Sahu Khan for the Defendant
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4252\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12088220 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 DECISION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12088220 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 This is Plaintiff's summons dated 6 May 1996 seeking an order that the judgment delivered herein on 25 March 1996 be stayed.
\par 
\par The defendant opposes the application.
\par 
\par The Plaintiff has filed in the Fiji Court of Appeal a Notice of Appeal dated 6 May 1996 appealing against the judgment herein as contained in paragraphs (a), (b) & (c) at pages 26-27 thereof which reads as follows:-
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid12088220 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 (a)\tab 
That upon payment by the Plaintiff to the Defendant within six weeks from this judgment the sum of $235,000 which was required to be paid by the Plaintiff under item 3.2(a) of the Agreement dated 25 August 1989 the possession of the vessel }{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 "Sunbird"}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220  and its immediate transfer in the name {\*\bkmkstart QuickMark}{\*\bkmkend QuickMark}
of the Plaintiff is ordered }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 AND}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220  if default is made in the said payment the agreement
 shall be deemed to have been rescinded and the Defendant shall do what it likes with the vessel.
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid12088220 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid12088220 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 (b)\tab 
That upon payment of the said sum of $235,000 the Defendant do give credit to the Plaintiff for the sum of $5000 per month paid to Fiji Development Bank 
for 30 months or whatever sum has been paid in this manner towards the purchase price of the said vessel to fulfil the requirements of item 3.2(b) of the said agreement.
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid12088220 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid12088220 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 (c)\tab That the Plaintiff is not entitled to damages for the alleged unlawful detention 
as the Plaintiff had itself failed to comply with the payment of $235,000 under item 3.2(a) of the agreement whilst it made full use of the vessel by doing business with it and not accounting to the defendant or anyone else for the proceeds from the said 
business.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12088220 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 
\par Mr. Smith submits that unless a stay is granted, the appeal, if successful, will be rendered nugatory.
\par 
\par He says that although the Plaintiff has not complied with item (a) of the judgment by paying the sum of $235,000 to the defendant by 6 May 1996 it wants to appeal, inter alia, against that part of the judgment where it says it is open to the defendant to 
}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 "do what it likes"}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220  with the ship }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 
"Sunbird"}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 .}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12088220  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 
In the circumstances the Plaintiff does not want the ship to be sold or dealt with in any manner until the appeal is heard.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12088220  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 
It wants the status quo to be preserved.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12088220  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 
The defendant has been and is still operating the ship so there is no prejudice to the defendant if stay is granted.
\par 
\par Mr. Smith further submits that there are }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 "special circumstances"}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220  in this
 case to grant the stay which is a discretionary power vested in the Court.
\par 
\par Dr. Sahu Khan while opposing the application says that neither is there anything to stay nor to execute.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12088220  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 
He asks, is the Plaintiff in a position to pay damages for there is no undertaking as to damages?}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12088220  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 
He says that there is no local director left in the country.
\par 
\par In reply Mr. Smith said that there is an order in existence and its execution will have the effect of rescinding the agreement and therefore he says, the Plaintiff is entitled to a stay to prevent that occurring.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12088220  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 He goes on to say that, as Dr. Sahu Khan says there is }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 
"nothing to stay"}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 , then }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 "a stay will cause no harm"}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220  to the defendant.
\par 
\par The granting or refusing of stay is in the absolute and unfettered discretion of the Court; and the Court will, as a rule only grant a stay if there are special circumstances.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12088220  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 (}{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 HALSBURY 4th Ed Vol. 17 p.272 para 455}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 ).}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12088220  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 An example of }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 "special circumstances"}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220  is that an appeal would be nugatory if stay was refused (}{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 WILSON v CHURCH (No. 2) (1879) 12 Ch.D 454, C.A.)}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220  or if payment of a judgment debt destroys the substratum of the appeal (}{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 
METROPOLITAN REAL and GENERAL PROPERTY TRUST LTD v SLATERS and BODEGA LTD}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220  (1941) 1 A.E.R. 310, C.A.)
\par 
\par On the affidavit evidence before me and on the submissions by counsel I find that there are }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 "special circumstances"}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220  in this case.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12088220  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 
There is a Court order requiring the Plaintiff to pay the sum of $235,000 and if it is not paid then certain consequences flow; and it is the impact of this part of the judgment which is the gist of the appeal.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12088220  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 The refusal of the application will no doubt render the appeal nugatory.
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12088220 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 I do not accept Dr. Sahu Khan's argument that there is }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 "nothing to stay"}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220  and }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 "nothing to execute"}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 .}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12088220  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 What about the judgment and the Orders made therein?}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12088220  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 The answer to some extent lies in the following passage from the judgment of the Fiji Court of Appeal in }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 
K R LATCHAN BROS LTD v SUNBEAM TRANSPORT AND 2 ORS}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 , CIV APP. Nos. 45, 51, 57, and 61 of 1983 at page 8 while discussing the general principles in regard to stay pending appeal:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12088220 {\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 
"All the cases annotated under Order 59/13, and indeed the wording of (Rule 25) contemplate delaying some action which would have flowed from the decision.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12088220  }{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 Stay of such action may be granted pending an appeal so that, if successful, the result should not be rendered nugatory.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12088220  }{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 
In the absence of a stay, money may be paid over, which given a reversal on appeal might be irrecoverable; An occupier of land might be dispossessed and buildings demolished; accounts might be taken which need not b
e revealed; the holder of patent or the proprietor of a secret process might be required to submit to inspection and so on.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12088220  }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 
All these are positive steps which are encompassed by the words 'execution or proceeding' flowing as a consequence of a judgment ..."}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12088220 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 
\par Although this may not be a case that the Plaintiff }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 "will be ruined"}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220  if stay is refused (}{
\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 LINOTYPE - HELL FINANCE LTD v BAKER}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 
 1992 4 AER 887) he has raised the point that certain serious consequences will flow if it is successful bearing in mind the triable issues raised by it.
\par 
\par In the exercise of its discretion the Court does a balancing exercise.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12088220  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 
On the one hand I have the defendant which has had the ship for sometime and has been and is still operating it and is entitled to all the proceeds and has nothing whatsoever to loose if the application is granted.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12088220  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 In other words it will not be prejudiced at all.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12088220  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 The business is as usual for it.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12088220  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 
On the other hand I have the Plaintiff which is dissatisfied with the judgment and has appealed, and if successful, it may not have to pay the said sum of $235,000 as ordered by me.
\par 
\par Therefore, since the defendant will not be prejudiced and considering the competing claims and interests of the parties, the balance of convenience dictates that there ought to be a stay pending the determination of the appeal.
\par 
\par For these reasons, in the exercise of my discretion I grant the stay of the orders sought by the Plaintiff until the determination of the Appeal but that it shall have the question in the appeal, so far as in it has, de
cided at the earliest possible opportunity by the Fiji Court of Appeal.
\par 
\par The Plaintiff is to pay the costs of this application to the Defendant to be taxed if not agreed.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12088220 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 D. Pathik
\par }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 Judge}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12088220 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768\charrsid12088220 
\par At Suva
\par 28 June 1996}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16480768 
\par }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12088220 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12088220 HBG0004D.92S}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12088220\charrsid12088220 
\par }}