{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;}{\f3\froman\fcharset2\fprq2{\*\panose 05050102010706020507}Symbol;} {\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);}} {\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 \sbasedon10 \ssemihidden footnote reference;}} {\*\rsidtbl \rsid1841082\rsid5259796\rsid6057293\rsid10313151}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.6850;}{\info{\title IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{\operator sam_f}{\creatim\yr2008\mo12\dy23\hr10\min33}{\revtim\yr2009\mo2\dy9\hr8\min39}{\version4}{\edmins4} {\nofpages3}{\nofwords798}{\nofchars4550}{\nofcharsws5338}{\vern16393}{\*\password 00000000}}{\*\xmlnstbl }\paperw12240\paperh15840\margl1440\margr1440\margt1440\margb1440\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\rsidroot6057293 \fet0{\*\wgrffmtfilter 013f}\sectd \sbknone\linex0\headery1440\footery1440\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid6057293\sftnbj {\headerr \pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\pvpara\posx0\posy0\absw9361\nowrap\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid6057293 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 45 \\f "Symbol" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f3\fs24}}}{\field{\*\fldinst { \insrsid6057293 PAGE }}{\fldrslt {\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid5259796 3}}}\sectd \linex0\endnhere\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\insrsid6057293 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 45 \\f "Symbol" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f3\fs24}}}{\insrsid6057293 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid6057293 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl-240\slmult0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid6057293 \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\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1841082 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI \par AT SUVA \par CIVIL JURISDICTION \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1841082 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1841082 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 CIVIL ACTION NO: HBC 0427 OF 1998 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1841082 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1841082 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 BETWEEN:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1841082\charrsid1841082 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1841082 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1841082 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1841082 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 NBF ASSET MANAGEMENT BANK \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 Plaintiff/Respondent \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1841082 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1841082 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 AND:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1841082\charrsid1841082 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1841082 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1841082 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1841082 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 GEORGE NIUMATAIWALU; }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 and \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 IAN NG \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 Defendants/Applicants \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1841082 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1841082 Counsel}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 :}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1841082\charrsid1841082 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 Mr H. Nagin for Applicants \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1841082 :}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 Mr T. Seeto for Respondent \par \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1841082 Hearing}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 :}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1841082\charrsid1841082 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 30th January 2001 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1841082 Decision :}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 26th February 2001 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1841082 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1841082 DECISI}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 ON}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1841082 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 \par On 24th January 2000, I ordered vacant possession of property at 116 Mead road, Suva pursuant to an application made by the Respondent, the NBF Asset Management Bank under Order 88 of the High Court Rules. \par \par Writ of possession in respect of the premises, was issued on the 23rd of February 2000.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1841082 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 On the 22nd of February 2000 the Appellant filed a Notice of Appeal in respect of the Order 88 judgment, and an application for stay pending appeal on the following day.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1841082 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 This is the decision in respect of that application. \par \par The application is supported by the affidavit of George Niumataiwalu, (the First Appellant).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1841082 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 In that affidavit, the First Appellant says that he has been advised by his solicitors that he had good prospects of success on appeal, that he intended to purchase the property in question, and that the appeal would be rendered nugatory if stay was not granted in the matter. \par \par The Respondent opposed the application and filed the affidavit of Laisenia Takala, sworn on the 3rd of March 2000.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1841082 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 In that affidavit, Laisenia Takala disputes the assertion that there is merit in the appeal, says that the Appellant had ample opportunity to purchase the property but cannot do so now because the property has been sold, and that the appeal would not be rendered nugatory. \par \par Thereafter several hearing dates were vacated because of the uncertain times Fiji was experiencing, and the matter was finally heard in chambers on 30th January 2001. \par \par Counsel relied on written submissions.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1841082 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 The main ground of the application is that the app eal will be rendered nugatory, if a stay is not granted.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1841082 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 Counsel says that the First Appellant still intends to purchase the property at a price higher than that offered by Mr Tariq Ali, the intended purchaser.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1841082 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 He says that the balance of convenience favours the Appellant. \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1841082 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 Counsel for the Respondent says that the appeal has no merit and that the Appellant is merely re-ventilating the issues he raised at the hearing.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1841082 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 He says that the appeal being bound to fail, that the question of whether or not it would b e rendered nugatory if a stay is not granted, is irrelevant.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1841082 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 Alternatively, counsel suggests that if a stay is granted, it should be conditional upon the payment of the debt amount into court, and upon the payment of the costs of the application. \par \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 Principles}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1841082 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 The principles governing the grant or refusal of a stay application pending appeal, are well-settled.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1841082 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 The first principle is that a successful litigant should not be lightly deprived of the \'93fruits\'94 of his litigation.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1841082 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 The second is that when an appellant exercises its right of appeal, the court should ensure that the appeal if successful is not rendered nugatory.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1841082 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 The third principle is that in the exercise of its discretion, the Court should consider the effect that a s tay, or a refusal of stay, would have on each party.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1841082 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 A further principle was used in }{ \b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 Linotype-Hell Finance Limited -v- Baker}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 (1992) 4 ALL ER 881, that where an applicant shows that it will be ruined, if stay is refused, and that it has good chances of succeeding on appeal, a stay should be granted. \par \par There is no dispute that these are the relevant principles governing a stay application. \par \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 The Application}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 \par \par There is no doubt that the Appellant has an unrestricted right of appeal.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1841082 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 Although the grounds of appeal , (save for the ground on the acceptance of affidavits before Judgment was delivered) are in effect a re-canvassing of submissions made to me at first instance, I will assume for the purpose of this application, that this appeal is not devoid of merits. \par \par Would a refusal of stay therefore render the appeal nugatory?}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1841082 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 The appeal is against an order for vacant possession.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1841082 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 The Appellant currently lives on the property in question, and has done so for the duration of the proceedings.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1841082 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 There can be no doubt that if the Appellant is forced to vacate, the Respondent will then proceed to perfect the sale of the property to Mr Tariq \par Ali, and that thereafter any remedy the Appellant might have, would be confined to damages. \par \par The Appellant says that his offer to purchase the property should have been accepted.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1841082 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 This presupposes his ability to pay for the property.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1841082 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 However, the prejudice to the Respondent if stay is granted is obvious.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1841082 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 The Respondent has agreed to sell the property to Mr Ali.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1841082 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 Not only is the Respondent deprived of the chance to perfect the sale, it is also deprived of the sum of money owed to it by the Appellant under the mortgage.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1841082 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 At the hearing of the Order 88 application in this court, the Appellant owed the Respondent $126,567.58 under the mortgage.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1841082 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 Any order for stay must therefore address the issue of protecting the Respondent\rquote s interests. \par \par On the ground therefore, that the appeal will be rendered nugatory, if stay is refused, I order stay of my judgment of 24th January 2000.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1841082 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 I do so on condition that the Appellant deposits the sum of its debt to the Respondent, of $126,567.58 into court within 14 days. \par \par Costs are in the cause. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1841082 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 Nazhat Shameem \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 JUDGE}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1841082 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057293\charrsid1841082 \par At Suva \par 26th February 2001 \par }}