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\f168\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT SUVA
\par CIVIL JURISDICTION
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\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 047J OF 2004S
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\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 1ST PLAINTIFF
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\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4789744 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 JANITA SWAMY
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 2ND PLAINTIFF
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\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4789744 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 SURESH CHANDRA and VIJAY}{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4789744\charrsid4789744  }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 MAHARAJ}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4789744\charrsid4789744 ,
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 Barristers & Solicitors,}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4789744\charrsid4789744  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4789744 Trading as
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 MAHARAJ CHANDRA}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4789744\charrsid4789744  }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 & ASSOCIATES}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744  (a firm).}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4789744\charrsid4789744 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 DEFENDANT
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\par Counsel for the Plaintiffs:}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4789744  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 D. Sloan: MUNRO LEYS
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4789744\charrsid4789744 Counsel for the Defendant}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 :}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4789744\charrsid4789744  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 V. Maharaj: MAHARAJ CHANDRA & ASSOC.
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4789744\charrsid4789744 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 Date of Ruling:}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4789744\charrsid4789744  27 April, 2004}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4789744\charrsid4789744 Time of Ruling}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 : 9.30 a.m.
\par 
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\par This is the Plaintiffs\rquote  summons to consolidate this action with Civil Action No. 397 of 2003.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 
They rely on Order 4 rule 2 of the High Court Rules.
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\par Civil Action No. 397 of 2003 was commenced by the first named Defendant in a Writ of Summons filed on 23 September, 2003 against the 3 Plaintiffs for damages for libel.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 Defence was filed and Interrogatories posed and dealt with by the Court in Ruling of 18 November, 2003.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 Summons for Directions and consequent Orders, including Order for Discovery were made on 21 January, 2004.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 The Plaintiff subsequently filed his affidavit verifying list of documents on 3 February, 2004 and is presently waiting for the Defendants\rquote 
 response to his pre-trial conference notice.
\par 
\par On 4 February 2004, the 3 Plaintiffs commenced their separate action, Civil Action No. 47 of 2004 claiming damages for defamation against the Defendant in CA 397/2003 and a second-named Defendant.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 According to the Plaintiffs\rquote  Writ of Summons the Defendants were }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 \'93
Suresh Chandra and Vijay Maharaj, Barristers and Solicitors, trading as Maharaj Chandra & Associates (a firm)\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 
. However, later documents filed by the Plaintiffs named Suresh Chandra as the first Defendant, and Maharaj Chandra and Associates, as the second Defendant.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 The Plaintiffs have not yet clarified the proper parties to CA 47/04.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 The Defendants had meanwhile file their defence on 4 February 2004.
\par 
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\par Order 4 rule 2 of the High Court Rules 1988, as amended by Legal Notice 67/1993 provides}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 
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\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 \'932.\tab Where two or more causes or matters are pending, then, if it appears to the Court \endash 
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{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin2880\itap0\pararsid11884770 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 
that the right to relief claimed therein are in respect of or arise out of the same transaction or series of transactions}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770 ; }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 or

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{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin2880\itap0\pararsid11884770 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 that for some other reason it is desirable to make an order under this rule,
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\par }\pard\plain \s18\ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid11884770 \b\i\f168\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 
the Court may order those causes or matters to be consolidated on such terms as it thinks just or may order them to be tried at the same time or one immediately after another o
r may order any of them to be stayed until after the determination of any other of them.\'94
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4789744 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 
\par According to the Supreme Court Practice 1985 (White Book) Vol. 1 at p. 28:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11884770 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 \'93
The main purpose of consolidation is to save costs and time, and therefore it will not usually be ordered unless there is \'93some common question of law or fact bearing sufficient importance in proportion to the rest\'94
 of the subject-matter of the actions \'93to render it desirable that the whole should be disposed of at the same time (}{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 Payne}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744  v. }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 British Time Recorder Co}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 . \{
1921\} 2 KB1, p.16; }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 Harwood}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744  v. }{
\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 British Statesman Publishing Co. Ltd}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 . \{1929\} W.N. 38; }{
\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 Daws}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744  v. }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 Daily Sketch}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744  \{1960\} 1 WLR 126; \{1960\} 1 All ER 397, C.A.)\'94}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770  }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 
Harwood\rquote s Case is also authority for the proposition that cases maybe consolidated where the Plaintiff\rquote s are the same and the Defendants are the same and equally where the Plaintiffs or Defendants or all are different.}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770  }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 However, two actions cannot be consolidated, where the Plaintiff in one action is the same person as the Defendant in 
another action, unless the action of one is made as a counterclaim or third party proceedings in another action.
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4789744 \f168\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 There are parallels to be drawn in the circumstances under which actions can be consolidated under O.4 r.2 to joinder of parties application u
nder O.15 r.4 namely, that there exists same common question of law or fact in all the actions and where the rights to relief claimed arise out of the same transaction or series of transactions.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11884770 {\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid11884770 Court\rquote s Consideration
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4789744 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 
\par The Plaintiffs agree to the general p
rinciple of law that two actions cannot be consolidated where the Plaintiff in one action is the same as the Defendant in the other action unless one of the actions has been made as counterclaim or stand as third party proceedings in the other action.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 The 
Court notes that in the earlier case by the Defendant there has not been any efforts by the Plaintiffs to file a counterclaim nor third party proceedings.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 However, they argue that the Plaintiff and Defendant are not the same in both actions.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 Whereas Civil 
Action No. 397 of 2003 is brought by Suresh Chandra trading as Maharaj Chandra & Associates, this present Civil Action No. 47 of 2004 is against both Suresh Chandra and Vijay Maharaj trading as Maharaj Chandra & Associates.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 Yet, as the Court has pointed out above, the Plaintiffs\rquote  documents do not bear out this argument.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 
The latest documents filed, including this Summons applying for consolidation and its supporting affidavit, makes clear that the 1st Defendant is the Plaintiff in Civil Action No. 397 of 2003.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 The argument for consolidation does not appear to be based on a firm foundation.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 The Fiji Court of Appeal in }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 Housing Authority}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744  v. }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 Penioni Bulu}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 
 FCA No. 26/01 has warned on possible problems even where issues are the same thus}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11884770 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 \'93Although the parties are 
the same they are in different capacities in the two actions and in such cases the Courts have always been averse to consolidation.}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770  }{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 To the extent that the issue was the same in both cases difficulties must arise as to onus of proof where a party is Plaintiff in one case and a Defendant in another.\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4789744 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 
\par The Plaintiffs in the alternate argue that failing consolidation, the Court should use its discretion and order consecutive trials permissible under O.4 r.2.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 In support, Counsel submits that both actions arise o
ut of the same transaction or series of transactions and therefore the common factors in both, including the same witnesses and Counsel, would save time and costs.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 In the Courts view, while the subject of the action in this case arose out of the incident w
hich prompted Civil Action 397/03, the facts and legal issues are not necessarily exactly the same in each case.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 
It is not, for example, as if, the decision of liability in one will be necessarily accepted in the other.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 
The defamation alleged by the Defendant in Civil Action 397/03 is not limited to matters personal only, but there is also the general implication of the failure on his part to his profession as a lawyer.
\par 
\par Counsel for the Plaintiffs emphasised the wide discretion of the Court in deciding whether to make an order for consolidation or not. Where it finds against it, the Courts have more often than not, ordered that the two actions be tried consecutively.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 It could very well be that it would be convenient for the Plaintiffs and others that such an order be made.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 In my view, the proper procedure would be to stay this later action, pending the decision in Civil Action 397 of 2003.
\par 
\par The Plaintiffs\rquote  application is dismissed.
\par 
\par There will be an Order for the stay of this proceedings until the determination of Civil Action 397/03.
\par 
\par Costs in the cause.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11884770 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid11884770 F. Jitoko
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid11884770 JUDGE}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid11884770 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4789744 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11884770\charrsid4789744 
\par At Suva
\par 27 April 2004
\par }}