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\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT SUVA
\par CIVIL JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7152058 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7152058 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 CIVIL ACTION NO. HBC0060D OF 2002S
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7152058 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 SUNILA WATI}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058\charrsid7152058 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 (father}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 '}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 s name Dukhi}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058 
 Prasad)
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 of Lot 26, Maqbool Road,
\par Nadera, Suva, Domestic Duties.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058\charrsid7152058 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 Plaintiff
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7152058 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7152058 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 AND:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058\charrsid7152058 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7152058 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058\charrsid7152058 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7152058 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 SHELL FIJI LIMITED}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058\charrsid7152058 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 a limited}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 liability company having its registered
\par office in Suva.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058\charrsid7152058 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 Defendant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7152058 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
\par Counsel for the Plaintiff:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058\charrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 E. Veretawatini of Eroni Veretawatini Esq.
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058\charrsid7152058 Counsel for the Defendant}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 :}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058\charrsid7152058  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 J. Flower of Messrs Q.B. Bale & Associates
\par 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058\charrsid7152058 Date of Decision}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 :}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058\charrsid7152058  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 29 August 2002
\par Time of Decision:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058\charrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 9.30 a.m.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7152058 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 DECISION
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\par This is an Application to Set Aside a judgment}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
entered in default of defence pursuant to O.19 r.9 of the High Court Rules and under the inherent jurisdiction of the Court.
\par 
\par The Plaintiff filed a Writ of Summo
ns against Shell Fiji Limited (the Defendant/Applicant) on 11 February 2002 alleging that through the negligent driving of one of its servants, the plaintiff suffered severe injuries, the particulars of which are detailed in the Statement of Claim.
\par 
\par According to the Affidavit of Service filed on 12 March 2002 by the plaintiff the Writ was served on the defendant at its registered office in Walu Bay, Suva on 28th February 2002.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 On 26th April 2002 the plaintiff, having searched and finding that the defendant had failed to give notice of its intention to defend within the prescribed}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 time, entered}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
interlocutory judgment against the defendant for damages to be assessed and costs.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 The interlocutory judgment is dated }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f175\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 26th April 2001}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058 '}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058  quite incorrectly and presumably a mistake in the Court}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 '}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 s Registry.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 The date should read 26th July }{
\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 2002}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 .
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 On 24 June 2002, the defendant filed Summons which prayed for the following}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058 :}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 

\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13848856 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 "}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 1.\tab That the Judgment}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
in Default of Defence entered against the defendant on 26 April, 2001 be set aside and that the date there to be amended to read 26 April, 2002.
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\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 That the defendant be granted leave to defend the claim herein.
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\par {\listtext\pard\plain\s16 \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 3.\tab}}\pard\plain \s16\ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\ls1\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13848856 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 That there be a Stay of Execution of the Judgment pending the hearing of the application.
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\par {\listtext\pard\plain\s16 \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 4.\tab}}\pard\plain \s16\ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\ls1\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13848856 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 That the costs of this application be made costs in the cause.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13848856 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7152058 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 In its Affidavit in support of the Summons, the defendant}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 '}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 s Finance Manager Mr Steven Haines deposed that it had not received the Writ of Summons which according to the Affidavit of Service the plaintiff had sworn, had been served on the defendant}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 '}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 s registered office in Walu Bay, Suva on 28 February 2002.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 Further Mr Haines stated that the Affidavit of Service does not identify to whom the documents were served and at any rate, the Ac
knowledgment of Service invariably would have been handed over to the defendant}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 '}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 s solicitors.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 As the latter did not possess a copy, the defendant argued, it must be presumed that the Writ was not served.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 A proposed Statement of Defence was also annexed to this Affidavit.
\par 
\par In her affidavit in reply, the plaintiff clarified, in response to the defendant}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 '}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 s assertion of non}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 service of the Writ, that the document was served on the receptionist at the defendant}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 '}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 s Walu Bay office and that the endorsement on the back of the Writ was actually done by the same Mr Steven Haines, Finance Manager who had sworn to the contrary.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 The plaintiff filed as }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
Annex A}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058  to her Affidavit a copy of the Writ that amongst other things bore the defendant}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 '
}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 s Finance Manager}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 '}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058 s endorsement.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
\par 
\par The Court on 9 July, 2002 heard arguments by both Counsel on the defendant}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 '}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 s Summons to Set Aside.
\par 
\par At the outset the defendant}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 '}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
s Counsel on behalf of the Finance Manager and the deponent of the Affidavit in Support, offered his apologies to the Court.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
He acknowledged that the Writ had in fact been served on the defendant as detailed in the Affidavit of Service, contrary to the assertions outlined in his Affidavit.
\par 
\par The confusion arose, according to Counsel, from the fact that the defendant}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 '}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
s Finance Manager do receive many documents in the course of his daily duties, and this may have contributed to an oversight to attend to this}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 particular document.
\par 
\par While the Court accepts the retraction and subsequent apology made by the defendant on the service of the documents, it is nevertheless mindful of the fact that this is not the 
first incident that has come before it, where the defendant had equally denied receiving or being served by Court documents,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
notwithstanding the affidavit sworn by the other party, to the contrary.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 It could very well be the case that defendant and its mana
gement are inundated on a daily basis with documents and papers of all sorts.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 It would however do itself a great deal of good as a law}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 abiding corporate citizen, if it were to take more care and give due recognition to Court documents it receives no matter
 the nature of the claim or the party serving.
\par 
\par In its Summons, the defendant relies on O.19 r.9 and O.45 r.10 of the High Court Rules and the inherent jurisdiction}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 of the Court.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 Counsel on behalf}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
of the defendant argued}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
that although the defendant had failed to give notice of its intention to defend through omission, it nevertheless possesses a perfectly good defence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 The defence on the merits need only disclose an arguable or triable issue.
\par 
\par The defendant admits that an accident involving one of its vehicles, Registration No. DJ 799, and a taxi Registration No. E 0584 driven by one Hari Prasad Sharma f/n Tota Ram Sharma had occurred on 8 October 1999.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 While the defendant is unaware that the plaintiff had been a passenger 
in the taxi at the time of the accident nor that she had suffered injuries as claimed as a result of the collision, it has evidence to show that the taxi driver, Hari Prasad Sharma, was the driver found by the Police to be at fault.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 Mr Sharma, according to the defendant}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 '}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 s counsel, was subsequently convicted of careless driving and fined $35.00 by the Suva Magistrates}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 '}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058  Court (Magistrates}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 '}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058  Court Case No. 5451/01).}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
As such, Counsel argued, Mr Sharma, the taxi driver, almost certainly should be the defendant in this proceedings instead of the present defendant.
\par 
\par The plaintiff}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 '}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 s Counsel maintained that there is no ground to set aside the judgment which had been regularly obtained.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 Generally a default judgment can only be set aside if it was irregularly obtained.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 In this instance, the Counsel argued, the Writ had been pr
operly served on the defendant, a fact now acknowledged by the defendant, the Affidavit of Service filed and followed by Search for Defence, before the judgment in default of defence was entered.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 There was no instance of irregularity at all.
\par 
\par Both Counsel, following the hearing, consented to filing skeleton arguments and the Court reserved its decision.
\par }{\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 THE LAW ON SETTING ASIDE}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 The law is fully explored by Lord Greene M R in }{\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 Craig}{\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058\charrsid7152058  
}{\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 v. Kanssen}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058  [1943] 1 KB, 256.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 Lord Greene first referred to Daniell}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 '}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
s Chancery Practice, 8th ed; Vol. I., p. 708 which stated}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058 :}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7152058 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 "}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 A judgment may also be set aside for irregularity.}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 If the irregularity consists in non}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058 -}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 compliance with one of the rules, the Court or the judge may either set it aside, or amend or otherwise deal with it in such manner and upon such terms as the Court or judge may think fit.}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 "}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7152058 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
\par Lord Greene then referred to }{\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 Anlaby}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 v.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 Praetorious}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
 [1888] 20 QB 764 where although a judgment had been obtained in default of defence, it was found to be made prematurely and therefore irregular.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058\charrsid7152058 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058 There Fry L}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 J said at p. 768}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058 :}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7152058 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 "}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 In su
ch a case the right of the defendant to have the judgment set aside is plain and clear.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
The Court acts upon an obligation; the order to set aside the judgment is made}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 ex debito justitiae}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 , and there are good grounds why that should be so, because the entry of judgment is a serious matter, leading to the issue of execution, and possibly to an action of trespass.}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7152058 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
\par Fry L J later on declared that}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058 :}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7152058 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 "}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 There is a strong distinc
tion between setting aside a judgment for irregularity, in which case the Court has no discretion to refuse to set it aside, and setting it aside where the judgment, though regular, had been obtained through some slip or}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 error on the part of the defendant,
 in which case the Court has a discretion to impose terms as a condition for granting the defendant relief.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7152058 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
\par Lord Greene also referred to }{\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 Hamp}{\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058 -}{\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 Adams}{
\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058\charrsid7152058  }{\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 v. Hall}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058  [1911] 2 KB 942,
 a case for default in appearance, as authority for both the exercise of the Court}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 '}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
s jurisdiction under the rules and as well as illustrative of the exercise of the Court}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 '}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 s inherent jurisdiction.
\par 
\par In discussing all of the cases above, Lord Greene concluded that they clearly establish 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7152058 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 "}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
That a person who is affected by an order which can properly be described as a nullity is entitled }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 exdebito justitiae}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
 to have it set aside.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058  (Page 262)
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7152058 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
\par The principles enunciated by Lord Greene M R in }{\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 Craig v Kanssen}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058  (supra) was followed by the Fiji Court of Appeal in }{
\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 Subodh Kumar Mishra v Car Rentals (Pacific) Ltd.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 , FLR Vol. 31 1985, 49.
\par 
\par The inherent jurisdiction of the Court to set aside a default judgment that appears to have been by}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 all}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 accounts,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 regularly}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 obtained can}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 only}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 be}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 done}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 in}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 the}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 most}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 severe of}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 circumstances.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
The Applicant must satisfy the Court that there is a reasonable explanation why the judgment was allowed to go by default, and at any rate there is a very strong defence and that to allow the judgment to stand would be patently wrong in law.
\par 
\par In }{\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 Evans v Bartlam}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
 [1937] AC 473, Lord Atkin ruled that Order XIII., r.10, which is the equivalent of O.13 r.10 of our High Court Rules, gave a discretionary power to the judge in Chambers to set aside a default judgment.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 He added}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058 :}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7152058 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 "}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 The discretion is in its terms unconditional.}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 The Courts however have laid down for themselves rules to guide them in the normal exercise of their discretion.}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 One is that where}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
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\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 "}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 (P. 480)
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7152058 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
\par The other rule which his Lordship referred to is that the applicant must satisfy the Court that there is a reasonable explanation why the applicant allowed a default judgment to be obtained, although he doubted that such a rule existed.
\par 
\par The rationale}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 for the unconditional discretion that allows the Court to intervene is explained}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 by Lord Atkin is }{\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 Evans v Bartlam}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058  (supra) as follows}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058 :}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7152058 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 "}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 The principle obviously is that unless and
 until the Court has pronounced a judgment upon the merits or by consent, it is to have the power to revoke the expression of its coercive power where that has only been obtained by a failure to follow any of the rules of procedure.}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 (P. 480)}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7152058 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
\par He added as a proviso}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058 :}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7152058 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 "}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
But in any case in my opinion the Court does not, and I doubt whether it can, lay down rigid rules which deprive it of its jurisdiction.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
Even the first rule of Affidavit of merits could, in no doubt rare but appropriate cases, be departed from.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 "}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 (P.480)
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7152058 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
\par Lord Atkin}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 '}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 s pronouncement was endorsed and followed by the Fiji Court of Appeal in }{
\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 The Fiji Sugar Corporation v Mohammed Ismail}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058  FLR Vol. 34 1988, 75.}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
\par }{\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 APPLICATION}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
\par It is true that the affidavit of the Finance Manager of the defendant in the present case asserting that there was failure of service, was effectively negated by his own late admission that the Writ was in fact received and acknowledged by him personally.
}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
However, the Counsel for the Applicant, in both his oral as well as written submission, contended that notwithstanding the strength or otherwise of the supporting affidavit, the defendant still has a prima facie defence.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 The defendant for example, Counsel argued, is not necessarily}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 the correct party to these proceedings, given the evidence obtained from the police with regards to the details of the motor vehicles}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 '}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058  accident and the subsequent careless driving conviction of the taxi driver in which the plaintiff had been travelling at the time of the accident.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058\charrsid7152058 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 The guideline set down by Lord Atkin in }{\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 Evans v Bartlam}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
 (supra) as to the necessity of the filing of Affidavit of merits obviously if strictly applied to the present case, will not assist the defendant.
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 But the Court is nevertheless mindful of the fact that there is a distinct possibility of an injustice if the default judgment were allowed to stand.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 At any rate, the Court, in the exercise of its discretion need not abide strictly to the guidelines of Lor
d Atkin, as His Lordship himself had pointed out above.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 The Court will set aside a default judgment if circumstances require it.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 It is sufficient in certain situations that the defendant has raised triable issues and prima fac}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058 ie defence, in its submissions.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
\par 
\par In the case before it, the Court is of the view that the defendant has indeed raised triable issues and prima facie defence in its submissions and should be allowed to come in and defend the action.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 But having said that the Court also takes note of the fact that all of these could have been avoided if the defendant had paid due care and attention to Court documents served on it.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 Should the Court set aside a regular judgment where the defendant is at fault, the plaintiff is perfectly entitled to be awarded costs.
\par 
\par There is finally the question whether there has been undue delay before the application to set aside was made.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
Although the default judgment was sealed on 26 April 2002, it is not known the precise date the sealed judgment was served on the defendant.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
What is clear is that the Solicitors for the defendant filed its Summons to Set Aside on 24th June 2002, almost two (2) clear months later.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
There is however no indication of dilatoriness on the defendant}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 '}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 s part before taking step to challenge the judgment.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 So long as the}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
application is made within a}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 reasonable time, the Court is loathed}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 to intervene.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  While there is no }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 hard and fast rule on what amounts to a }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 reasonable time}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
 the Courts have in the past held for example, that a year was far too late to set aside service out of jurisdiction}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058 :}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058  }{
\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 Reynolds v Coleman}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058  (1887) 36 Ch.D 453, and four (4) months in a case of an applica
tion to set aside Service of a Writ claiming }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 damages for personal injuries}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10944917 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058 : }{\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 Pontin v Wood}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058  [1962] 1QB 594.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 I am satisfied that the defendant in this Case had acted within a reasonable time frame to apply to set aside.
\par 
\par For the reasons I have explained, I order that the Interlocutory Judgment entered on 26 April 2002 be and is hereby set aside.
\par 
\par Leave is granted to the defendant to file its acknowledgment of Service and}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7152058  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 Defence within 7 days and 14 days respectively.
\par 
\par I award $300 to the plaintiff as costs.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7152058 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 F. Jitoko
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 JUDGE}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7152058 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1574934\charrsid7152058 At Suva
\par 29 August 2002
\par }}