{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;}{\f36\fmodern\fcharset0\fprq1 Courier New TUR;}
{\f37\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE;}{\f38\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr;}{\f40\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek;}{\f41\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur;}
{\f42\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew);}{\f43\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic);}{\f44\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic;}{\f45\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese);}
{\f397\fmodern\fcharset238\fprq1 Courier New TUR CE;}{\f398\fmodern\fcharset204\fprq1 Courier New TUR Cyr;}{\f400\fmodern\fcharset161\fprq1 Courier New TUR Greek;}{\f401\fmodern\fcharset162\fprq1 Courier New TUR Tur;}
{\f402\fmodern\fcharset177\fprq1 Courier New TUR (Hebrew);}{\f403\fmodern\fcharset178\fprq1 Courier New TUR (Arabic);}{\f404\fmodern\fcharset186\fprq1 Courier New TUR Baltic;}{\f405\fmodern\fcharset163\fprq1 Courier New TUR (Vietnamese);}}
{\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green255\blue255;\red0\green255\blue0;\red255\green0\blue255;\red255\green0\blue0;\red255\green255\blue0;\red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue128;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green128\blue0;
\red128\green0\blue128;\red128\green0\blue0;\red128\green128\blue0;\red128\green128\blue128;\red192\green192\blue192;}{\stylesheet{\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f36\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 \snext0 Normal;}
{\*\cs10 \additive \ssemihidden Default Paragraph Font;}{\*
\ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\trcbpat1\trcfpat1\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv 
\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \snext11 \ssemihidden Normal Table;}{\*\cs15 \additive \ssemihidden footnote reference;}}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid2167270\rsid9908420
\rsid15209606\rsid15812727}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.4219;}{\info{\title IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{\author Emalus Campus}{\operator ehndvaun_d}{\creatim\yr2003\mo7\dy31\hr19\min30}{\revtim\yr2003\mo7\dy31\hr19\min30}{\version2}{\edmins1}
{\nofpages5}{\nofwords1536}{\nofchars8760}{\*\company USP}{\nofcharsws10276}{\vern16469}}\paperw11905\paperh16837\margl1700\margr1700 
\widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\notabind\wraptrsp\transmf\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\truncatefontheight\subfontbysize\sprsbsp\wpjst\lytprtmet\hyphcaps0\horzdoc\dghspace120\dgvspace120\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow3
\jcompress\viewkind4\viewscale100\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot15209606 \fet0\sectd \sbknone\linex0\headery1440\footery1440\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15209606\sftnbj {\footer \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\sl-240\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 
\f36\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\insrsid15209606 
\par }\pard \qj \fi-720\li-260\ri-260\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin-260\lin-260\itap0 {\lang3081\langfe5129\langnp3081\insrsid15209606 C:\\WPDOCS\\SINGH\\HBC0358D.95S
\par }}{\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}}
{\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8
\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9908420 
\f36\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT SUVA
\par CIVIL JURISDICTION
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
\par CIVIL ACTION NO. 358 OF 1995
\par 
\par Between:
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 FIJI DEVELOPMENT BANK
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 Plaintiff
\par 
\par and
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9908420\charrsid9908420 1. }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 SWANI KUMAR
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 s/o Hari Dayal
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9908420\charrsid9908420 2. }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 NIRBHAY CHAND}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420  alias
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 NIRBHAY CHAND MAHARAJ
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 alias }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 HARI DAYAL}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420  s/o Ram Singh
\par Defendants
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9908420 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9908420 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 Mr. H.A. Shah for the Applicant/Defendant
\par Mr. V. Kapadia for the Respondent/Plaintiff
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9908420 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4252\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9908420 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 DECISION}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9908420 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9908420 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
This is the defendants' Summons seeking an order that the default judgment entered against them on 21 November 1995 be set aside and that they be granted leave to de
fend the Plaintiff's claim as is disclosed by the proposed Statement of Defence annexed to the affidavit in support and for a further order that all execution and/or enforcement of the said default judgment be stayed pending the determination of this appl
ication.
\par 
\par }{\b\i\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 The defendants' argument}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
\par 
\par It is the defendants' contention as contained in the affidavit of }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 SWANI KUMAR}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
 sworn 14 February 1996 that the Plaintiff in the exercise of its powers under the mortgage over C.T. 7997 sold the sa}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9908420 id property at an under value.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
\par 
\par They therefore say that the Plaintiff was negligent in accepting a much lower sum which they say }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 "jeopardised us by way of indebtedness in the sum of approximately $85,000"}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 .}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15812727  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
The defendants have annexed to the said affidavit their proposed defence which they say raises }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 "valid and triable issues"}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 .
\par 
\par }{\b\i\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 The Plaintiff's reply}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
\par 
\par In opposing the application the Plaintiff in Reply to the said affidavit, inter alia, states that it was a proper sale after obtaining a valuation after advertisement and that the defen
dants failed to file Statement of Defence; judgment by default was then entered.
\par 
\par }{\b\i\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 Consideration of the issue}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
\par 
\par It is the defendants' contention that in the absence of a Court having adjudicated upon the matter on the merits of a case it will allow a default judgment to be set aside.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15812727  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 (}{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 EVANS v BARTLAM}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420  (1937) AC 473 at 489, }{
\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 F.S.C. LIMITED v MOHAMMED ISMAIL}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420  (F.C.A. No. 27/87), }{
\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 MOTOR GROUP OF FIJI LTD v CIR}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420  (FCA No. 48/87).
\par 
\par Whereas the Plaintiff submitted that all that the mortgagee is required to do is to take 
reasonable care to obtain a proper price but at the same time a mortgagee is not a trustee of the power of sale for the Mortgagor as the mortgage has been given to the mortgagee for its own benefit to enable the Mortgagee to obtain repayment of the loan.}
{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15812727  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 Mr. Kapadia referred the Court to two cases in which the duties of the Mortgagee in the conduct of the sale are set out (}{
\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 CUCKMERE BRICK CO. LTD v MUTUAL FINANCE LTD}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420  (1971) 2 All.ER 633 }{
\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 MOHAMMED SHAMSHU DEAN AND OTHERS v JAI NARAYAN}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420  (C.A. 245/71, High Court).
\par 
\par The Plaintiff says that it obtained the best possible price and that the defendants had shown no merits on the Defence.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15812727  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
The Plaintiff states that it was not negligent.
\par 
\par The situation in short in this case is that after the mortgagee's sale of the said property there was a shortfall and the Plaintiff made a claim for it in this action.
\par 
\par The defendants now say that it was sold at an undervalue and they want to contest the action but for some reason which has not come out in the affidavit failed to say as t
o why no statement of defence was filed by them resulting in judgment by default against them.
\par 
\par No doubt it is in this action that they can raise the matters which they now raise in their proposed defence.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15812727  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
I find that they are entitled to raise these issues which they could not have raised before the mortgagee's sale.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15812727  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
It is not an unmeritorious defence.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15812727  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
The only thing is that they failed dismally to act in time and they are themselves to be blamed for judgment having been entered against them.
\par 
\par Most of the matters raised by the parties are matters which could be brought up in the trial of the action.
\par 
\par The sole issue for my determination is whether in the circumstances I ought to set aside the default judgment and grant leave to the defendants to defend the action.
\par 
\par The setting aside of a regular judgment is in the discretion of the Court.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15812727  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
To enable the Court to do so there must be an affidavit on merits i.e. an affidavit stating facts showing a defence on the merits (}{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 FARDEN v RICHTER}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 ) (1889) 23 Q.B.D. 124) and as stated in the }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 Supreme Court Practice}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420  1993 Or 13 r9 p.137-138:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9908420 {\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
"... the major consideration is whether the defendant has disclosed a defence on the merits, and this transcends any reasons given by him on the delay in making the application even if the
 explanation given by him is false (VANN v AWFORD (1986) 83L.S. GAZ. 1725, THE TIMES, APRIL 23, 1986 C.A.).}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15812727  }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
The fact that he has told lies in seeking to explain the delay, however, may affect his credibility, and may therefore be relevant to the credibility of his defence and the way in which the Court should exercise its discretion."}{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9908420 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 Also as }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 LORD DENNING M. R}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 . in }{
\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 BURNS v KONDEL}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420  (1971) 1 Lloyd's Rep. 554 at p.555 said:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9908420 {\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 "We all know that in the ordinary way the Court does not set aside a judgment in defaul
t unless there is an affidavit showing a defence on the merits.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15812727  }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
That does not mean that the defendant must show a good defence on the merits.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15812727  }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
He need only show a defence which discloses an arguable or triable issue."}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9908420 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 The defendants have annexed a proposed
 Statement of Defence in which they have raised defences, but it is not for me at this stage to resolve these issues between the parties but merely to satisfy myself that the defendants have shown a bona fide defence involving triable issues.
\par 
\par The defendants' only have to }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 "establish a prima facie defence"}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420  and that a }{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 "draft defence is not necessary, what is required is the affidavit disclosing a prima facie defence"}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15812727  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 (}{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 THE FIJI SUGAR CORPORATION LIMITED and MOHAMMED ISMAIL}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420  Civ. App. No. 28/87 F.C.A. at p.9 Cyclostyled judgment).}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15812727  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
The following passage from the judgment of }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 LORD ATKIN}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420  in }{
\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 EVANS BARTLAM}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
 (1937) 2 All.ER p.646 at p.650 is pertinent on the subject of the principle on which a Court acts where it is sought to set aside a judgment arising out of a failure to comply with the rules:-
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9908420 {\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
"I agree that both R.S.C. Ord. 13, r. 10, and R.S.C., Ord. 27, r. 15, gives a discretionary power to the judge in chambers to set aside a default judgment.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15812727  }{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 The discretion is in terms unconditional.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15812727  }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
The courts, however, have laid down for themselves rules to guide them in the normal exercise of their discretion.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15812727  }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
One is that, where the judgment was obtained regularly, there must be an affidavit of merits, meaning that the applicant must produce to the court evidence that he has a prima facie defence.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15812727  }{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
It was suggested in argument that there is another rule, that the applicant must satisfy the court that there is a reasonable explanation why judgment was allowed to go by default, such as mistake, accident, fraud or the like.}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15812727  }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 I do not
 think that any such rule exists, though obviously the reason, if any, for allowing judgment and thereafter applying to set it aside is one of the matters to which the court will have regard in exercising its discretion.}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15812727  }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 If there were a rigid rule that no 
one could have a default judgment set aside who knew at the time and intended that there should be a judgment signed, the two rules would be deprived of most of their efficacy.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15812727  }{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 The principle obviously is that, unless and until the court has pronounced a ju
dgment upon the merits or by consent, it is to have the power to revoke the expression of its coercive power where that has been obtained only by a failure to follow any of the rules of procedure."}{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9908420 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 The defendants no doubt have delayed in making the application.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15812727  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
However on the subject of delay }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 EVANS v BARTLAM}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420  (supra) at p.656 states that the }{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 "Court, while considering delay, have been lenient in excluding applicants on that ground"}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
 and further stated as follows:-
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9908420 {\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 "The primary consideration is whether he has
 merits to which the Court should pay heed; if merits are shown the Court will not prima facie desire to let a judgment pass on which there has been no proper adjudication.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15812727  }{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 This point was emphasized in }{\b\i\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 Watt v. Barnett}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420  3 Q.B.D. 363 ......................................}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15812727  }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
He has been guilty of no laches in making the application to set aside the default judgment, though as }{\b\i\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 Atwood v. Chichester}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 , 3 Q.B.D. 722 and other cases show, the Court, while considering delay, have been lenient in excluding applicants on that ground.}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15812727  }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
The Court might also have regard to the applicant's explanation why he neglected to appear after being served, though as a rule his fault (if any) in that respect can be sufficiently punished by the terms as to costs or otherwise which the Cour
t in its discretion is empowered by the rule to impose.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15812727  }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
The appellant here has an explanation, the truth of which is indeed denied by the respondent, but at this stage I see no reason why he should be disbelieved on what appears to me to be a mere conflict on affidavits."}{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9908420 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
\par In the circumstances of this case, bearing in mind the facts of this case particularly when the Plaintiff will not be prejudiced if the application was granted, and in the exercise of my discretion I consider that I ought to let the defen
dants in to defend this action.
\par 
\par To conclude, further to what I have stated above, I would like to adopt the following passage from }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 DAVIES v PAGETT}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
 (1986) 10 FLR 226 quoted in the judgment of }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 MILES C.J.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420  in }{
\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 RYAN v ADAMS}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420  (1993) 112 FLR 474 at 477:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9908420 {\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 "The fundamental duty of the court is to do justice between the parties.}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15812727  }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 It is, in turn, fundamental to that duty that the parties should}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15812727  }{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 each be allowed a proper opportunity to put their cases upon the merits of the matter.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15812727  }{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 Any limitation upon that opportunity wil
l generally be justified only by necessity to avoid prejudice to the interests of some other party, occasioned by misconduct, in this case, of the party upon whom the limitation is sought to be imposed."}{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9908420 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 In the outcome, bearing in mind the guiding princip
les in a case of this nature I set aside the default judgment herein of 21 November 1995 conditional upon the defendants filing and serving their Statement of Defence within 28 days of this decision.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15812727  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 In the event the defendants fail to comply with this ord
er the order setting aside the said default judgment shall stand dismissed and the default judgment shall remain and be of full force and effect.
\par 
\par It is also ordered that the defendants pay costs of this application to the Plaintiff to be taxed if not agreed.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9908420 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 D. Pathik
\par }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 Judge}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9908420 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 
\par At Suva
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9908420 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606\charrsid9908420 6 March 1997}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15209606 
\par }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9908420 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9908420 HBC0358D.95S}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9908420\charrsid9908420 
\par }}