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\f29\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT SUVA
\par CIVIL JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681 CIVIL }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 ACTION NO. HBC400 OF 2000

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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 BETWEEN}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681 :
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 FIJIAN HOLDINGS LIMITED}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681 

\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 Plaintiff
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 AND}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681 :
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 TUPENI LEBAIVALU BABA}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 First Defendant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 ADI KUINI VUIKABA SPEED}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681 

\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 Second Defendant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 THE PEOPLES' COALITION}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681 

\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 Third Defendant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
\par R. Matebalavu for the Plaintiff
\par R.K. Naidu for the Defendants
\par 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681 Date of Hearing}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 : 24th October 2000
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681 Date of Judgment}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 : 8th January 2001
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681 JUDGMENT}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
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\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13176681 "}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
I disagree completely with what you say but shall defend to the death your right to say it.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13176681 "}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
\par So said Voltaire nearly three centuries ago but it would seem from the evidence and submissions presented by the Plaintiff in this application for Interim Injunct
ion that the Plaintiff, at least in the circumstances of this case, does not share the belief so passionately held by the French Philosopher.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 My reasons for this conclusion will appear in the course of this judgment which is a Notice of Motion for an Injunction restraining the Defendants:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13176681 "}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
from carrying out any further unlawful publication of the confidential information of the plaintiff or any other part thereof or other information of the plaintiff or any part thereof or other information the property of
 the plaintiff and pertaining to the plaintiff, its directors, members and officers.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13176681 "}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681  
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
\par On the 14th of September 2000 the Defendants published a Media Release of some 15 pages making allegations against the Plaintiff to the effect that individual Fijians a
nd Fijian family companies have acquired shares irregularly from the Plaintiff and particularly -
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 (i)\tab 
that the government gave a $20 million loan to the Plaintiff for the benefit of individual Fijians and Fijian family companies;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 (ii)\tab that the Fijian Affairs Board condoned the alleged share allotment;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 (iii)\tab 
the Interim Prime Minister Mr. Qarase was Managing Director of the Fiji Development Bank and a member of the Board of the Plaintiff during a period which saw a dramatic increase in 
Fijian Holdings shares issued to individuals and companies funded by the Fiji Development Bank;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 (iv)\tab 
an initiative that was intended to help ordinary Fijians through their Provincial Councils was allowed }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13176681 "}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
to be hijacked by individuals and family companies who were close to the SVT Government}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13176681 "}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 ;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
\par The Release demanded a full and independent inquiry into these allegations.
\par 
\par The Plaintiff says that the publication complained of is deliberately false in certain material particulars and that unless restrained fro
m further publication will cause further irreparable damage to the Plaintiff's reputation as a successful undertaking.
\par 
\par The Defendants allege in their Release that an announcement made by the Interim Prime Minister shortly before the 14th of September 2000
 to convert the $20 million loan to a grant and to give each Province one million shares in the Plaintiff will result in the Provinces who were to be issued with }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13176681 "}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 B}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13176681 "}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681  Class shares receiving a much lower dividend than Class }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13176681 "}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 A}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13176681 "}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
 shares held by the family company.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 The Defendants say that as a result the Fijian people are being short changed.

\par 
\par The application alleges breach of confidence.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
It also alleges that the Defendants, particularly the Second Defendant, have a duty not to take unfair advantage of their knowledge of the Plaintiff which they have gained through public and other sources.
\par 
\par The motive of the Defendants is said to be to destroy certain members and officers of the Plaintiff.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
This, it is claimed, if successful, will destroy the reputation of the Plaintiff and punish unfairly members of the Company who have bought shares in good faith and who face financial risk for borrowings to fund their share purchase.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 The Plaintiff cites a number of cases in which judges of great distinction in England have said
 for example the following:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13176681 "}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
The party complaining must be the person who is entitled to the confidence and to have it respected.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13176681 "}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681  }{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
\par Lord Denning M.R. in }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 Fraser v. Evans}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681  [1969] 1 Q.B. 349 at p. 361.
\par }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13176681 "}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
.... The law will, in a proper case, intervene to restrain a defendant from revealing information or other material obtained in confidence, such as trade secrets and the like.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681  }{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 This depends on the broad principle of equity that he who has received information in confidence shall not take unfair advantage of it.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 .... But the information must be such that it is a proper subject for protection.}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681  }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 As I said in Fraser v. Evans:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13176681 "}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
there are some things which may be required to be disclosed in the public interest, in which event no confidence can be prayed in aid to keep them secret.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13176681 "}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 .
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 Lord Denning M.R. in }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 Hubbard v. Vosper}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
 [1972] 1 All E.R. 1023 at pages 1028 - 1029.
\par 
\par Lord Denning again in }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 Schering Chemicals Ltd v. Falkman Ltd. & Ors}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681  [1982] 1 Q.B.1 at page 23 said:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13176681 "}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
Freedom of the press is of fundamental importance in our society......... unless there is a }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13176681 "}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 pressing social need}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13176681 "}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681  for such restraint.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681  }{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 In order to warrant a restraint, there must be a social need for protecting the confidence sufficiently pressing to outweigh the public interest in freedom of the press.}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681  }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
No injunction forbidding publication shall be granted except where the confidence is justifiable on moral or social grounds}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13176681 "}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13176681 "}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
..... It comes back to this, prior restraint is such a drastic interference with the freedom of the press that it should only be ordered when there is a substantial risk of great injustice.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13176681 "}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 These statements of the right of freedom of speech are nothing new to the common law of democracies.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 In a sen
se they proclaim the freedom of expression and the rights of the individual first enunciated in Magna Carta and it would be a brave government of any country accepting the Westminster system to reject or attempt to dilute them.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 The question for my decision is }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13176681 "}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 Has there been any breach of confidence by the Defendants?}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13176681 "}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 

\par 
\par The best known statement of the law is that of Megarry J. in }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 Coco v. A.N. Clark (Engineers) Ltd.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
 [1969] RPC 41, 47:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13176681 "}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 First, the information itself ... }{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681 '}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 must have the necessary quality of confidence about it'.}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681  }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 Secondly, the information must have been imparted in circumstances importing an obligation of confidence.}{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681  }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
Thirdly, there must be an unauthorised use of that information to the detriment of the party communicating it.}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13176681 "}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 Early in its submission the Plaintiff acknowledges that it is a listed Company and much of the content of the Media Release is public knowledge.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
The Plaintiff nowhere suggests that the allegations made in the Release are of confidential information nor in my judgment could they be for the following reasons:
\par 
\par The Plaintiff is a public listed company.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
Like all companies, it is required to keep a share register (s.114 of the Companies Act) and, if it has more than 50 members, an index of members (s.115).}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 Both are open to inspection from members and others (s.117).}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 It is required to file an annual return (s.127), which includes details of members as required in the Sixth Schedule.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681 
 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 In short, the membership of the Plaintiff is not confidential information.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 Indeed, the law requires
 that the company itself put the information in the public domain - namely the Companies Registry - from which the media release makes clear the information was sourced (the other stated source was the Plaintiff's own annual report).
\par 
\par To the extent that there is reference in the media release to the debt financing of shareholders, this too is ascertainable from public records (s.127).}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 Of course, any information on the indebtedness of shareholders, even if it was confidential, would belong to the shareholders, not the Plaintiff.
\par 
\par In paragraph 8 of the affidavit of Jaoji Koroi the Secretary of the Plaintiff, complaint is made that the Release of the }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13176681 "}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
information}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13176681 "}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681  by the Defendants was not authorised by the Plaintiff.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 I ask, why should it have been?}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 What need is there for any authority relating to information put into the public domain in compliance with the Companies Act?}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 The answer must be none.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 In my judgment the motion by the Plaintiff is nothing more than a clumsy attempt to gag discussion of a l
egitimate topic of public interest, namely the use of $20 million of public money in a Company dominated by private shareholders.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 The Plaintiff makes no attempt to assert any of the necessary elements of breach of confidence.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 Consequently I find there are no grounds for granting an Injunction.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 It is well-established that an Injunction in support of defamation proceedings will not issue so long as}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 the Defendants assert their rights to common law defences such as justification or fair comment.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 I deduce from the material that if a statement of claim is ever delivered by the Plaintiff the Defendants will most likely plead that defence.
\par 
\par Accordingly the Motion is dismissed.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 I order the Plaintiff to pay the Defendants' costs of $350.00.}{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681  
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 JOHN E. BYRNE
\par }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681 JUDG}{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 E}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13176681 {\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11472100\charrsid13176681 
\par }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 Cases referred to in Judgment}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10632221\charrsid13176681 :
\par 
\par Coco v. A.N. Clark (Engineers) Ltd [1969] RPC 41, 47.
\par 
\par Fraser v. Evans [1969] 1 Q.B. 349 at page 361.
\par 
\par Hubbard v. Vosper [1972] 1 All E.R. 1023 at pages 1028 - 1029.
\par 
\par Schering Chemicals Ltd. v. Falkman Ltd. & Ors [1982] 1 Q.B.1 at page 23.{\*\bkmkstart QuickMark}{\*\bkmkend QuickMark}
\par }}