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\s15\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10773937 \fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{
\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10773937\charrsid10773937 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 (AT SUVA)
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10773937 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10773937 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 CIVIL ACTION NO. HBC 207 OF 1997S
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10773937 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10773937 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 Between:
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10773937 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10773937 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 SERA LEBA
\par }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 Plaintiff
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10773937 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10773937 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 and
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10773937 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10773937 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 SURESH PRASAD
\par }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 First Defendant
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10773937 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10773937 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 and
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10773937 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10773937 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 SHORE BUSES LIMITED
\par }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 Second Defendant
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10773937 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 
\par D. Singh for the Plaintiff
\par H.K. Nagin for the Second Defendant
\par F. Haniff for Queensland Insurance (Fiji) Limited
\par No appearance by the First Defendant
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10773937 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 DECISION
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10773937 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10773937 \fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 
This application concerns the filing of a}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10773937  }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 third party notice.}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10773937  }{
\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 Although s
uch an application might be expected to be dealt with as a matter of routine by the Registrar (see RHC O 32 r 9 (f)) it has unfortunately revealed a slightly sharp division of opinion as to the effect of non compliance with the rules of the High Court (se
e RHC}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10773937  }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 O 2 r (1)).}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10773937  }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 
It is therefore desirable rather more fully than is usual to explain the decision reached.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10773937 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 
\par The Plaintiff was a passenger in a bus which was owned by the second Defendant and which was involved in a collision as a result of which she suffered serious injuries to her left arm leading to partial amputation.
\par 
\par The accident occurred as long ago as May 1996.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10773937  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 The writ was issued in the same month.
\par 
\par Nearly two years later solicitors for the Plaintiff searched for an acknowledgement of service and defence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10773937  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 
Neither had been filed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10773937  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 On 12 March 1998 Judgment by reason of 
failure to give notice of intention to defend was entered against the second Defendant with damages to be assessed.
\par 
\par In July 1998 Messrs. Sherani and Co filed notice of appearance on behalf of the second Defendant.
\par 
\par In November 1999 a document entitled \'93Third Party Notice\'94 was filed against Queensland Insurance (Fiji) Ltd.
\par 
\par On 18 January 2000 Queensland Insurance filed an Acknowledgement of Service to the Third Party Notice.
\par 
\par In April 2000 the second Defendant filed a Statement of Claim against the Third Party.
\par 
\par On 4 July 2000 the second Defendant issued a summons for Third Party directions and the usual orders were made by the Deputy Registrar by consent.
\par 
\par On 28 July 2000 Queensland Insurance filed a \'93Defence to the Defendant\rquote s claim against Third Party\'94.
\par 
\par On 16 October 2001 the Defendants filed a \'93Summons for Determination of Preliminary Issues\'94.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10773937  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 Whether this a
pplication was made pursuant to RHC O 33 r 3 or O 34 r 3 was not stated.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10773937  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 
In support of the application a director of the second Defendant filed an affidavit.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10773937  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 
He deposed that the Plaintiff had obtained Judgment against the second Defendant but that the second Defendant was covered by a comprehensive motor vehicle policy with Queensland Insurance.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10773937  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 The dispute between the second Defendant and Queensland Insurance is as to the extent of cover.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10773937  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 The second Defendant says that the limit is $100,000 per passenger but Queensland Insurance says that the limit is $100,000 per bus load of passengers.
\par 
\par On 21 January 2002 the summons came before me.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10773937  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 
I pointed out that under the provisions of RHC O 16 r 1 only a Defendant who has given Notice of Intention to Defend may issue a third party notice without the leave of the court.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10773937  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 In this case neither a Notice of Intention to Defend nor an application for leave to file had been issued.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10773937  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 I therefore dismissed the application and ordered the third party proceedings to be stayed.
\par 
\par On 8 March 2002 the Defendant filed a second summons seeking orders:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16536712 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 \'93(i) \tab that leave is not required to file a Third Party Notice;}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16536712 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16536712\charrsid10773937 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (ii)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pnlcrm\pnstart2\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid10773937 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 
alternatively that if such leave is required to issue Third Party Notice then such leave be granted.\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10773937 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 
\par This summons was supported by an affidavit by a legal executive Deborah Appana.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10773937  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 
Ms. Appana deposed that after my ruling of 21 January a second attempt to file a Third Party Notice without leave was made but that \'93for some reason\'94 the Notice was rejected by the registry.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10773937  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 She went on to express her opinion that the leave of the Court was not required to file a Third Party Notice.
\par 
\par On the return date for the 8}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 
 March summons Mr. Nagin advised me that an attempt to file a Notice of Intention to Defend had been made on 4 February 2002 but that this Notice had also been rejected.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10773937  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 I explained to Mr. Nagin that the Notice had been rejected since, pursuant to RHC O 12 r 5:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10773937 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 \'93
except with the leave of the Court a Defendant may not give Notice of Intention to Defend in an action after Judgment has been obtain therein.\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10773937 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 
\par As has already been noted Judgment in this case was obtained by the Plaintiff against the Defendant in March 1998.
\par 
\par After explaining to Mr. Nagin why the acknowledgement of service had not been accepted for filing I adjourned the hearing of the 8 March summons to enable an application to file an Acknowledgement of Service to be issued.
\par 
\par On 12 June 2002 a third summons was filed by the Defendants.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10773937  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 It sought orders:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid10773937 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 \'93(}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16536712 i}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 )\tab that the Third Party Notice 
filed herein on November 1999 and all proceedings thereunder be reinstated and that a hearing date on the summons for determination of preliminary issue be assigned;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16536712 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (ii)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls2\pnrnot0\pnlcrm\pnstart2\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid10773937 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 alternatively that leave be granted to file an Acknowledgement of Service and a Th
ird Party Notice.\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10773937 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 
\par In support of his application Mr. Nagin told me that both Mr. Singh and Mr. Haniff were agreeable to the orders sought.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10773937  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 
When however I asked Mr. Singh whether he was content to allow the Judgment to be set aside he indicated that he was not.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10773937  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 
The position therefore was that Mr. Nagin who had not applied to have the Judgment set aside with the consequence that it}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10773937  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 
still stands, wished to file a Notice of Intention to Defend.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10773937  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 
When asked what he wished to defend it appeared that the only issue which the Defendants wished to place before the Court for determination was an issue arising not between the second Defendant and the Plaintiff but between the Second Defenda
nt and a stranger to the action, Queensland Insurance.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10773937  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 
Mr. Nagin did suggest that Queensland Insurance would have a right to be present at the assessment of damages but appeared to concede that this right was merely the right of an indemnity insurer to take over the litigation on behalf of the insured.
\par 
\par As I see it, the effect of allowing a Notice of Intention to Defend and a Third Party Notice to be filed at this late stage would be to embarrass and delay the Plaintiff whose case has already been far too much delayed already (see }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 Swanson Shipping Co. v. Duncan}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937  (1876) 1 QBD 644).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10773937  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 I can see no reason at all why the assessment of damages cannot proceed without further delay if quantum cannot be agreed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10773937  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 Mr. Nagin told me once the issue between the Defendant and Queensland Insurance has been resolved there will be a speedy payment out.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10773937  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 That suggests to me that quantum is not seriously in dispute.
\par 
\par In my opinion the Defendants by their own failure actively to participate in the proceedings brought by the Plaintiff against them allowed Judgment to be entered.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10773937  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 No attempt has been made to set the Judgment aside.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10773937  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 
If Queensland Insurance are not prepared fully to indemnify the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10773937  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 
Defendants against the Plaintiff then the Defendants have the option of commencing proceedings of their own relying on the Judgment entered.
\par 
\par The purpose of the Third Party proceedings which Mr. Nagin wished me to order was to determine a \'93preliminary issue\'94.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10773937  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 
Preliminary to what, I believe one is entitled to ask.
\par 
\par Mr. Nagin forcefully 
argued that since the parties, including a party naming itself as a Third Party had taken the steps which I have described and since all counsel were agreed that the issue of the interpretation of the contract of insurance was all that was holding up disp
osal of the matter, the Court should regard any breach of the rules as a mere irregularity which ought to be waived.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10773937  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 I disagree.}
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10773937  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 I am firmly of the view that the taking of a step without obtaining the mandatory leave of the Court is not a mere irregularity.

\par 
\par In my opinion the Defendants attempt to join Queensland Insurance as a Third Party without first obtaining the leave of the Court was the beginning of a very long and drawn out process, still not completed, of postponing the Plaintiff\rquote 
s right to recover damages arising from the personal injuries she received as a result of the Defendants\rquote  default.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10773937  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 
To allow that process to continue would in my view be quite unjust.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10773937  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 
For these reasons the application to file a Notice of Intention to Defend and the application to issue Third Party proceedings are both dismissed.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16536712 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid16536712 M.D. Scott
\par Judge
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10773937 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3221082\charrsid10773937 
\par 3 September 2002
\par }}