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\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT LABASA
\par CIVIL JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 CIVIL ACTION NO. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883\charrsid3817883 HBC00}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 20 OF 1998
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 Between:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 1.\tab BHAGWANTH REDDY
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 s/o Ram Reddy
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 2.\tab SUBHASH ANAND
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 s/o Ajvirappa
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 3.\tab NARASH RAJU
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 s/o Yenkana
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 4.\tab PRAKASH REDDY
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 s/o Subha Reddy
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 5.\tab AMICHAND RAO
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 s/o Malarao
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 6.\tab NAREN GOUNDAR
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 s/o Murgessa Goundar
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 7.\tab KISHORE KUMAR
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 s/o Budhai
\par Plaintiffs
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883\charrsid3817883 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 and
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 MUNIA GOUNDAR
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 s/o Ponsami Goundar
\par Defendant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
\par Mr. A. Sen for the Plaintiffs
\par Mr. R. P. Singh for the Defendant
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883\charrsid3817883 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
\par On 23 March 1998 the plaintiffs issued a Writ of Summons claiming against the defendant}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883 :}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
 (a) the sum of $21,000.00, (b) general damages, (c) interest and (d) costs.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 The claim arose in the circumstances as stated in the plaintiffs
}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f40\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
 Statement of Claim and in the evidence adduced by them.
\par 
\par The defendant denies the allegations made against him.
\par 
\par Evidence was given by the plaintiffs }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 Bhagwanth Reddy}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883  (PW1), }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 Subhash Anand }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 (PW2), }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 Prakash Reddy}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883  (PW3), }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 Kishore Kumar}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883  (PW4) and }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 Ram Chand Naidu}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883  (PW5).
\par 
\par In his defence the defendant testified himself (DW1) and called witnesses: }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 Rev. Nathaniel Manikam Pillay (DW2), Reginald Pillay }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 (DW3), }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 Rev. Kamla Prasad }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 (DW4) and}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883  Adilatchmi}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883  (DW5).
\par 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 Plaintiff}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f40\fs24}}}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 s evidence}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
\par 
\par Evidence for the Plaintiffs was adduced along the lines stated in the Plaintiffs}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f40\fs24}}}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 Statement of Claim}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 .}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 The background facts as stated therein are:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
FOR sometimes prior to January 1991 the defendant occupied a portion of land adjacent to land to Labasa Hospital more particularly described in Tenancy at Will issued by Land and Survey Department dated the 25th day of July 1977 a
nd known as Crown Land Lots 93}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 7}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 230}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 CT}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 8645}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
Naiyaca in the province of Macuata, at Labasa within the island of Vanua Levu.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
On or about 15 January 1991 the defendant convinced the Plaintiffs the idea of subdividing the said land (hereafter reffered to as }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 62 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f40\fs24}}}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 the land}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f40\fs24}}}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 ) into several portions to sell to each of the P}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883 laintiff a portion of the same.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 The Subdivision proposed would have entailed each plaintiff being a holder of the a portion of the said land.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 The defendant accordingly prepared a scheme plan and induced each of the Plaintiff to purchase a lot by making the following representation:

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 that the Lands and Survey department approved a subdivision of the said land.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 that the subdivision was approved in accordance to the said scheme plan.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 that the Lands and Survey department had agreed to allow family members of the defendant to lease each portion.

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
that the proposed subdivision was to commence as soon as possible and the separate leases would be issued within 12 months.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 THAT the representations were made
 by the defendant orally in a meeting where the plaintiffs attended with other prospective purchasers.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
That the representations, and each of them was, false and untrue in the particular:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 that the defendant never had a approved subdivision scheme plan and
 that the Lands and Survey department had never agreed to a family subdivision of the said land.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 that the plaintiffs were never to receive a lease of their promised portion.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 that the defendant at the time when he made the said representations fraudulentl
y and either well knowing that they were false and untrue or recklessly not caring whether true or false.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
that the defendant made the said representations in order to induce the plaintiffs to buy and become a holder of a portion of the land in his purported subdivision of the said land.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
\par The plaintiffs say that they acted on the said representations in the belief that the same was true.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
They were induced to pay and did on or about 15 January 1991 and thereafter pay a sum of $3000.00 each to the defendant in order to become owners of a portion of the said land in the purported subdivision. 
\par 
\par Sometimes in August 1995 the Plaintiffs say that they discovered that the said land was not subdivided, hence it was }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 62 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f40\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 worthless}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f40\fs24}}}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883  to them.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 Consequently the Plaintiffs los
t the sum of $3000.00 each paid to the Defendant which he has refused to refund.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
Therefore the Plaintiffs say that they have suffered loss and damage.
\par 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 Defendant}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f40\fs24}}}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 s evidence}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
\par 
\par The defendant (DW1) testified that}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 there was a meeting of about 20 people at his h
ouse at which the Divisional Surveyor Northern Mr. Balram and one Shiu Sami Naidu came with the Minister.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
He said that the Lands Department wanted to subdivide the land.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
The Lands Department people said at this meeting that the Government had no money and that it will have to be a family subdivision and the family will have to pay the sum of about $9000.00.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 The said Balram at the meeting said that they pay $3000.00}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
to him for a block each.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 The defendant said that he gave him the sum of $6000.00 at his house.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 The said Balram said that a receipt will be sent to him.
\par 
\par The defendant denied all the allegations made against him.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 He denied that any of the plaintiffs paid him any money.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 In cross}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
examination he said that he was not the one interested in subdividing.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 He denied making any request to Lands Department to subdivide. 
\par 
\par The defendant said that he does not know where Balram is now.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 He said Naidu was the }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 62 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f40\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 middle man}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f40\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883  between the Lands Department and them.

\par 
\par The }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 DW2}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883  who is DW1's brother}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883 -}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 in}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 law testified that he 
paid $3000 to Balram at DW1's place two days after the said meeting.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 He corroborated the testimony of DWI in other respects.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 He said that Naidu is dead now.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 He did not see DWI receive any money; there was no discussion that money was to be paid to the defendant.
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 The }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 DW3}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883  is also a brother}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 in}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 law of DWI.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 He said that it was agreed at the meeting that $3000 was to be paid to Balram for subdivision.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 Balram was a friend of DW3.
\par 
\par The }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 DW4}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 , a Pastor of 13 years testified that he was present at the said meeting at DW1's place.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 He made payment of $3000 to Balram at the defendant}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL
 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f40\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 s place.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 In cross
}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 examination he said Balram was a mediator between Naidu and the Lands Department.
\par 
\par The }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 DW5}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 , the defendant}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f40\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 s wife, testified that she did not receive any money from anyone.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 She said that there was a meeting but she was in the }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 62 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f40\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 back}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f40\fs24}}}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883  of the room.
\par 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 Consideration of the issues
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 The plaintiffs}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f40\fs24}}}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883  claim is made on the alleged }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 62 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f40\fs24}}}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 fraudulent misrepresentation}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f40\fs24}}}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 I have outlined hereabove the evidence as adduced from both sides.
\par 
\par Upon a careful analysis of the evidence it is clear that it was a family affair; the plaintiffs are all related; they all agreed to buy a piece of land once the land was sub}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883 -}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 divided.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
Some of them paid $3000 each to Balram and who in turn paid some of it to the said Shiu Sami Naidu.
\par 
\par I find as fact that the land was to be sub}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 divided by the Lands Department and not by the Defendant.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 That at the meeting held at the defendant}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f40\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 s house, he did not make any false representation.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 Each of the defence witnesses testified that they paid money to Balram and not to defendant.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 I prefer to accept the testimony of the defence witnesses to that of the plaintiffs.
\par 
\par At the said meeting the Minister for Lands, Balram an official for the lands Department and one Shiu Sami Naidu were present.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
I find as fact that it was the Minister and Balram who said that the land would be subdivided and the plaintiffs will be given a block of land each upon payment of $3000.00 initially.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 There was no representation of any kind made by the defendant and 
he was not in a position to make any; the plaintiffs knew that the application had to be made to the Lands Department directly.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
In fact the plaintiffs went and paid the application fees to the Lands Department and some of them have been issued with receipts for same.
\par 
\par I am not satisfied on a balance of probabilities that any of the plaintiffs paid the defendant the sum of $3000.00 each.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
It is a matter of comment as to why none of them obtained receipts for alleged payment for these substantial amounts.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 The 
plaintiffs are all well}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 educated.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 It has not been explained why it took the plaintiffs seven years since the said meeting in January 1991 to lay a claim against the defendant.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }
{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 Hence on a balance of probabilities the plaintiffs have not proved their claim against the defendant.
\par 
\par In the outcome, the facts as found by me do not constitute fraudulent misrepresentation.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
The plaintiffs have not proved their case on a balance of probabilities.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
Their action is therefore dismissed with costs to the defendant in the sum of $500.00.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 D. Pathik
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 Judge}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3817883 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817883 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 At Labasa
\par 27 August 2002}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7095172\charrsid3817883 
\par }}