{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;}{\f38\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE;} {\f39\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr;}{\f41\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek;}{\f42\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur;}{\f43\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew);} {\f44\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic);}{\f45\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic;}{\f46\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (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\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext0 Normal;}{\*\cs10 \additive \ssemihidden Default Paragraph Font;}{\* \ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\trcbpat1\trcfpat1\tblind0\tblindtype3\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \snext11 \ssemihidden Normal Table;}{\*\cs15 \additive \ssemihidden footnote reference;}}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid3691429 \rsid6190984\rsid7222943}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.6829;}{\info{\title IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{\operator sam_f}{\creatim\yr2008\mo12\dy9\hr8\min58}{\revtim\yr2008\mo12\dy9\hr9}{\version3}{\edmins3}{\nofpages2}{\nofwords817}{\nofchars4660} {\nofcharsws5467}{\vern16393}{\*\password 00000000}}{\*\xmlnstbl }\paperw12240\paperh15840\margl1440\margr1440\margt1440\margb900\gutter0 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\grfdocevents0\notabind\wraptrsp\transmf\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\truncatefontheight\subfontbysize\sprsbsp\wpjst\lytprtmet\horzdoc\dghspace120\dgvspace120\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow3 \jcompress\viewkind4\viewscale100\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot7222943 \fet0{\*\wgrffmtfilter 013f}\sectd \sbknone\linex0\headery1440\footery900\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid7222943\sftnbj {\*\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\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6190984 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI \par AT LAUTOKA \par CIVIL JURISDICTION \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6190984 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6190984 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 CIVIL }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 ACTION NO. HBC0444D.1997L \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6190984 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6190984 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 Between:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6190984 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6190984 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 ARGO TRAVEL LIMITED}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 a limited liability \par Company having its registered office at Nadi, \par Fiji.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 Plaintiff \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6190984 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6190984 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 And:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6190984 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6190984 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 MOHAMMED ALEEM KHAN}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 (father\rquote s name \par Mohammed Hakim Khan) C/- Kennedy Hotels \par Limited, Kennedy Avenue, Nadi, Fiji.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 Defendant \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6190984 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6190984 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 DECISION \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6190984 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 \par The plaintiff Argo Travel Limited has by summons dated 27 March 1998 sought an order striking out the defendant Mohammed Aleem Khan\rquote s statement of defence and entering summary judgment against him for the amount claimed in the statement of claim and costs.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 The application is supported by an affidavit of one Ratilal Gokal, a director of the plaintiff and is made pursuant to Order 14 rule 1 and Order 18 rule 18 of the High Court Rules 1988. \par \par In his affidavit sworn on 18 February 1998, Mr Gokal has annexed a letter (Annexure \'93A\'94) dated 9 October 1996 written on his behalf to the defendant claiming the sum of $46,525.00 in airline ticket sales is owed by him.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 The letter contains an acknowledgment of the debt as at 30 September 1996 by the defendant.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 } {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 In the latter\rquote s affidavit in reply sworn on 16 April 1998, he denies owing the monies personally and makes reference to third parties and to an explanation tendered by his solicitors in their letter to the plaintiff dated 18 December 1997 (Annexure \'93A).}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 They maintained that the cheque for $45,000.00 given by the defendant to the plaintiff was only given as security.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 It was to be banked upon the third parties paying the defendant that amount. \par \par In its affidavit in reply sworn by Mr Gokal on 23 May 1998, the plaintiff denies the explanation given by the defendant\rquote s solicitors.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 He in turn produces a receipt (No. 19261) for $525.00 issued on 12 November 1996 to the defendant (Annexure \'93A\'94).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 A second receipt (No. 19966) for $1000.00 issued on 21 January 1997 is also produced (Annexure \'93B\'94).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 The cheque signed by Aleem Khan for $45,000.00 is dated 24 July 1997 made out to the plaintiff and was subsequently dishonoured (Annexure \'93C\'94). \par \par What is the court to make of the foregoing?}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 The resolution of conflicting evidence an affidavits has long been discouraged if not prescribed. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 However, there may be situations where the affidavits themselves are so unsatisfactory as to reflect adversely on the parties themselves }{ \ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 Eng Mee Yong}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 v}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 }{ \ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 Latchumanan}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 [1980] AC 331.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 In the instant case, the court has little difficulty disbelieving the defendant\rquote s version of events. \par \par First there is an open acknowledgment of the amount owed in the letter dated 9 October 1996.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 The letter by the defendant\rquote s solicitor of 18 December 1997 is best disregarded as a self-serving piece of correspondence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 Written over a year after the acknowledgment was made it is no less than an attempt to call black white.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 There is no evidence before the court of the alleged role played by third parties and it ill-becomes the defendant\rquote s solicitors to make such critical assertions without move.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984\charrsid6190984 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 Second, the defendant\rquote s attempts to explain the dishonouring of his $45,000.00 cheque made out to the plaintiff border on the facile.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 The plaintiff has produced evidence of $1525.00 in payments being made by the defendant on 12 November 1996 and on 21 January 1997.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 The acknowledgment of debt}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 dated 9 October 1996 was for $46525.00.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 Seen in that light, the cheque for $45,000.00 can only be construed as the balance of the monies owed by the defendant to the plaintiff.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 The elaborate explanation about third parties and security strains credibility.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 The defendant had made part payment of the debt owed without reference to third parties.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 Why should the plaintiff be concerned about alleged arrangements between the defendant and third parties.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 It is all surmise and conjecture which a cynic might unkindly call a concoction. \par \par Third, the explanation the defendant gave for acknowledging he owed $46525.00 to the plaintiff requires some comment.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 He states \'93 it was merely to facilitate the Plaintiff for the preparation of their accounts and in their dealings with the Airlines in good faith.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 I executed what was required by the Plaintiff.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 The defendant is a director of a well-established hotel in Nadi.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 He is by definition an experienced businessman.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 The suggestion that he would sign a pledge acknowledging a debt of that amount albeit in good faith beggars belief.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 The explanation is of such a degree of obtuseness as to be incredible.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 It inclines the court to accept the plaintiff\rquote s version of events.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 The defendant was provided with $45,525.00 worth of air tickets and admitted the same in writing on 5 October 1996.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 No mention was made at the relevant time of third parties.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 All that he says transpired subsequently appears to have been little more than an attempt to evade that financial obligation in the court\rquote s respectful opinion. \par \par It is clear that the defendant has no defence, the statement of defence is accordingly str uck out and summary judgment is entered for the plaintiff in the sum of $5,000.00 with interest thereon at the rate of 13.5 per cent from 1 November 1996 to the date of payment.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 Costs are summarily assessed against the defendant for $500.00. \par \par The inordinate delay in handing down this decision is due to a number of factors.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 But it is in the nature of responsibility that the court must accept fault in causing much of it for which it apologises.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6190984 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 That is little comfort for the litigants who are entitled to efficacious justice. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6190984 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 Joni Madraiwiwi \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 PUISNE JUDGE}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6190984 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7222943\charrsid6190984 \par At Suva \par 19 February 2001 \par }}