{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;}{\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\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 \rsid292793\rsid6637396\rsid8354477\rsid14567158\rsid15405071\rsid16256599}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.6829;}{\info{\title IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{\operator freriks_k}{\creatim\yr2008\mo12\dy5\hr10\min56}
{\revtim\yr2009\mo1\dy21\hr10\min11}{\version7}{\edmins4}{\nofpages3}{\nofwords688}{\nofchars3923}{\nofcharsws4602}{\vern16393}{\*\password 00000000}}{\*\xmlnstbl }\paperw12240\paperh15840\margl1872\margr1872\margt1872\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\rsidroot6637396 \fet0{\*\wgrffmtfilter 013f}\sectd \sbknone\linex0\headery1872\footery1440\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid6637396\sftnbj {\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2
\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6
\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15405071 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 
IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15405071\charrsid15405071 AT SUVA}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15405071\charrsid15405071 CIVIL JURISDICTION}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15405071 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15405071 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 CIVIL ACTION NO. 0232 OF 2001
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15405071 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15405071 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15405071\charrsid15405071 Between:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15405071 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15405071 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND BANKING
\par GROUP LIMITED
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 Plaintiff
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15405071 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15405071 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15405071\charrsid15405071 And}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15405071 :}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15405071 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15405071 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 LULU BUKSH a.k.a MIRZA NAMRUD BUKSH
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 Defendant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15405071 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 
\par Ms. B. Narayan for the Plaintiff
\par Mr. A. Bale for the Defendant
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15405071 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 RULING}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15405071 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 
\par On }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 30th May 2001}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071  the plaintiff bank issued a }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 Writ}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071  against the defendant claiming the liquidated sum of\~}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 $26,361.09}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071  for monies advanced interest accrued and bank fees charged.
\par 
\par On }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 12th June 2001}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071  the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 Writ}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071  was personally served on the defendant.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15405071  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 A month later on }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 11th July 2001}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071  judgment was formally entered against the defendant in default of defence.
\par 
\par Thereafter the action went to sleep for a period of 6 months until it was resurrected by the defendant\rquote s solicitors who filed an interlocutory motion on }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 29th January 2002}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071  seeking }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 inter alia}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071  to set aside the default judgment.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15405071  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 The motion was supported by an affidavit deposed by the defendant and annexed a proposed }{
\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 Statement of Defence and Counterclaim}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071  in which the defendant simply}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15405071  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 denies being indebted to the plaintiff bank and counter-claims}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15405071  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 
an amount of }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 $35,500}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071  for services rendered by the defendant whilst acting as agent and auctioneer of the plaintiff bank }
{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 `from 1993 till 2001'}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 .
\par 
\par In this latter regard it should be pointed out that the limitation period for a claim based on an unsecured debt is 6 years (}{\i\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 see}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 \~: }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 Section 4(1)(a)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071  of the }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 Limitation Act}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 Cap.35}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 ).
\par 
\par Be that as it may, in support of the counter-claim the defendant\rquote s affidavit exhibits numerous letters from the plaintiff bank appointing and/or authorising the defendant to do various things on its behalf inclu
ding the eviction of squatters and auctioning real estate properties for an agreed commission.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15405071  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 
This may evidence the formation of a contract but is certainly }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 not}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071  evidence of performance by the defendant.
\par 
\par Indeed notable by its absence is any correspondence emanating from the defendant setting out details of the particular services he claims he performed for the plaintiff bank.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15405071  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 No accounts appear to have been rendered by the defendant }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 nor}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071  was any itemised }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 Bill of Costs}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 
 raised by the defendant as might be expected in the circumstances.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15405071  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 
Similarly no details or breakdown (by project) has been attempted or proferred in the defendant\rquote s counterclaim other than a vague reference to hours worked and an hourly rate which is also nowhere evidenced in the correspondence.
\par 
\par Instead, in the first annexure to the defendant\rquote s affidavit which is a letter signed by him referring to the present action and addressed to the plaintiff 
\par banks solicitor\rquote s, one finds in the very first sentence the following rather revealing statement : }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 `I acknowledge the amount owing to the bank ......\rquote }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 
\par 
\par The affidavit of a senior officer of the plaintiff bank specifically deposes by way of reply to the defendant\rquote s counterclaim that }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 `}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 (the defendant) }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 has not evicted any of the tenants to date\rquote }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071  ; }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 `...... that the defendant did not attend to the matter and the property}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071  (in Dreketi, Vanua Levu) }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 has not been sold to date\rquote }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071  ; and }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 `the defendant has not fulfilled the plaintiff\rquote s requirements }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 (concerning the sale of the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 Tom Tucker Place Ltd., Sigatoka}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 )}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 .\rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15405071  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 The affidavit further deposes : }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 `...... the defendant\rquote 
s allegations are not relevant to the debt being claimed which debt is not denied.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15405071  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 The allegations are merely `red herring\rquote .
}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15405071  }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 The plaintiff will defend the defendant\rquote s allegations and claim if properly instituted.\rquote 
\par 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 I accept that there is no irresistible connection between the plaintiff bank\rquote s claim for borrowings and interest and the defendant\rquote s counter-claim for fees for servic
es rendered, which would render it unjust to allow the plaintiff bank\rquote s claim to proceed without taking the defendant\rquote s claim into account such as might occur in a defence by way of set-off.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15405071  
}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 Indeed in my considered view the separation of the claims would conduce to a more speedy resolution than to allow it to proceed in the present }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 albeit}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071  permissible form.
\par 
\par Additionally, the defendant has neither mentioned or attempted to excuse or explain the 6 month delay in bringing the present application which}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15405071  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 although not fatal to the application, is nevertheless, an important factor in the exercise of the Court\rquote s discretion to grant the defendant the relief he seeks.
\par 
\par Having carefully considered the opposing affidavits and annexures and the proposed }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 Statement of Defence and Counterclaim}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 , I remain unpersuaded that the defendant has a meritorious defence to the plaintiff bank\rquote 
s claim and the application is accordingly dismissed with costs which are summarily assessed at }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 $250.00}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 .
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14567158 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 (D.V. Fatiaki)
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 Chief Justice
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15405071 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid292793 At Suva,
\par 11th October, 2002.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6637396\charrsid15405071 
\par }}