{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman{\*\falt Times New Roman};} {\f173\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f174\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f176\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek{\*\falt Times New Roman};} {\f177\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f178\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew){\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f179\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic){\*\falt Times New Roman};} {\f180\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f181\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese){\*\falt Times New Roman};}}{\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\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 \snext0 Normal;}{ \s1\ql \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel0\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 1;}{ \s2\ql \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\fs24\ul\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 2;}{\s3\qj \li720\ri0\sl360\slmult1 \keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel2\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0 \b\fs24\ul\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 3;}{\s4\qj \li1440\ri0\sl360\slmult1 \keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel3\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0 \i\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 4;}{\s5\qj \li720\ri0\sl360\slmult1 \keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel4\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0 \b\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 5;}{\s6\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1 \keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel5\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 6;}{ \s7\qj \li0\ri720\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel6\adjustright\rin720\lin0\itap0 \b\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 7;}{\*\cs10 \additive \ssemihidden Default Paragraph Font;}{\* \ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \snext11 \ssemihidden Normal Table;}{\s15\ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0 \i\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 \sbasedon0 \snext15 Body Text 2;}{\s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 \sbasedon0 \snext16 header;}{\*\cs17 \additive \sbasedon10 page number;}{\s18\qj \li2160\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0 \i\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 \sbasedon0 \snext18 Body Text Indent 2;} {\s19\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 \sbasedon0 \snext19 Body Text;}{\s20\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1 \widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 \sbasedon0 \snext20 Body Text 2;}{\s21\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\i\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 \sbasedon0 \snext21 Body Text 3;}{\s22\qj \li315\ri720\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin315\itap0 \b\i\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 \sbasedon0 \snext22 Block Text;}}{\*\listtable{\list\listtemplateid-2040340116\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'03(\'00);}{\levelnumbers\'02;}\b\fbias0 \fi-360\li360\jclisttab\tx360\lin360 }{\listname ;}\listid98065905}{\list\listtemplateid1616420412\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'00.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;} \fbias0 \fi-720\li1440\jclisttab\tx1440\lin1440 }{\listname ;}\listid705566578}{\list\listtemplateid744539808\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc2\levelnfcn2\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext \'03(\'00);}{\levelnumbers\'02;}\b\fbias0 \fi-720\li720\jclisttab\tx720\lin720 }{\listname ;}\listid891579232}{\list\listtemplateid2027835878\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0 {\leveltext\'02\'00.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fbias0 \fi-405\li1125\jclisttab\tx1125\lin1125 }{\listname ;}\listid1175877984}{\list\listtemplateid-2064458426\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0 \levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'00.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fbias0 \fi-420\li1620\jclisttab\tx1620\lin1620 }{\listname ;}\listid1438796813}{\list\listtemplateid-1111567954\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0 \levelstartat7\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'00.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fbias0 \fi-360\li975\jclisttab\tx975\lin975 }{\listname ;}\listid1644847616}{\list\listtemplateid737068794\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc2\levelnfcn2\leveljc0\leveljcn0 \levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'03(\'00);}{\levelnumbers\'02;}\fbias0 \fi-720\li2160\jclisttab\tx2160\lin2160 }{\listname ;}\listid1855223719}{\list\listtemplateid-1641491508\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0 \leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'00.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fbias0 \fi-720\li1440\jclisttab\tx1440\lin1440 }{\listname ;}\listid1905797170}{\list\listtemplateid1521910252\listsimple{\listlevel \levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'00.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fbias0 \fi-720\li1440\jclisttab\tx1440\lin1440 }{\listname ;}\listid2092851567}}{\*\listoverridetable {\listoverride\listid2092851567\listoverridecount0\ls1}{\listoverride\listid1438796813\listoverridecount0\ls2}{\listoverride\listid705566578\listoverridecount0\ls3}{\listoverride\listid1855223719\listoverridecount0\ls4}{\listoverride\listid1175877984 \listoverridecount0\ls5}{\listoverride\listid891579232\listoverridecount0\ls6}{\listoverride\listid1905797170\listoverridecount0\ls7}{\listoverride\listid98065905\listoverridecount0\ls8}{\listoverride\listid1644847616\listoverridecount0\ls9}} {\*\rsidtbl \rsid484847\rsid1250207\rsid3628453\rsid4528402\rsid10630622\rsid13324088\rsid15486734}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.6764;}{\info{\title IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{\author Gurmeet}{\operator blake_r}{\creatim\yr2005\mo12\dy13\hr11\min14} {\revtim\yr2005\mo12\dy13\hr11\min14}{\printim\yr2004\mo6\dy21\hr10\min59}{\version2}{\edmins0}{\nofpages16}{\nofwords4858}{\nofchars27696}{\*\company Judicial Department}{\nofcharsws32490}{\vern16391}}\margl2160\margr2160 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\formshade\horzdoc\dghspace180\dgvspace180\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow0\jexpand\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot15486734 \fet0\sectd \linex0\endnhere\titlepg\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\header \pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\pvpara\phmrg\posxc\posy0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\field{\*\fldinst {\cs17\insrsid3628453 PAGE }}{\fldrslt {\cs17\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid3628453 16}}}{\cs17\insrsid3628453 \par }\pard \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid3628453 \par }}{\*\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\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 \fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI \par AT SUVA \par CIVIL JURISDICTION \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 CIVIL JURISDICTION NO. 380 OF 1999 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Between: \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 AIR FIJI LIMITED \par }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Plaintiff \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 and \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 SHAILEND SHANDIL \par ISLAND NETWORK CORPORATION LTD \par }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Defendants \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par Mr. W. Clarke with Ms. R. Lal for the Plaintiff \par Mr. S. Matawalu for the Defendants \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid484847 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 JUDGMENT \par (Assessment of Damages) \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par The }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Assessment of Damages}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 hearing herein took place pursuant to judgment entered against the defendants on 25 January 2001 for having failed to f}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13324088 ile their Statement of Defence.}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par \par At the hearing the defendants were represented by Mr. S. Matawalu.}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Initially this case came before Shameem J when she gave two decisions on applications made by the defendants firstly, under }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Order 18}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Rule 18}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 of the }{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 High Court Rules 1988}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 and then under }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Order 19 r.7}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 .}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 In the latter Her Lordship had on 25 January 2001 ordered that \lquote judgment may now be entered by the plaintiff against the defendants and that the defendants do pay the plaintiff the damages to be assessed\rquote .}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid484847 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 Plaintiff\rquote s claim as per Amended Statement of Claim \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 \par }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 The }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 plaintiff\rquote s case}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 is as stated in the }{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Amended Statement of Claim}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 filed herein.}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 It is as follows: \par \par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\langfenp5129\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 1.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls3\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls3\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 The Plaintiff is a limited liability company capable of suing and being sued, is duly incorporated in the Republic of the Fiji Islands under the provisions of the Companies Act and carries on the business of providing domestic air services, transport and all other activities ancillary thereto throughout Fiji under the name and is widely known as \'93}{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 AIR FIJI}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \'94. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\langfenp5129\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 2.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls3\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls3\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 The Plaintiff and the name }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \'93 AIR FIJI\'94 }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 under which it opera tes its business and trade enjoys very large and extensive goodwill, both within Fiji and internationally, as a safe, reliable and well managed airline which is compliant with all relevant local and international air safety requirements and regulations. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\langfenp5129\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 3.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls3\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls3\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 T he Plaintiff operates its business and trade, both within Fiji and internationally, as a safe, reliable and well managed airline which is compliant with all relevant local and international air safety requirements and regulations. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\langfenp5129\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 4.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls3\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls3\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 The First Defendant was at all material times employed as a journalist by the Second Defendant. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\langfenp5129\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 5.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls3\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls3\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 The Second Defendant was at all material times a company duly registered under the }{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Companies Act }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 which carries on and engages in the business and trade, amongst other things, of trans mitting for general reception wireless and radio programs including, but not limited to, news and current affairs. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\langfenp5129\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 6.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls3\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls3\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 On 24th July 1999, an }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \'93}{ \b\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 EMBRAER EMB 11OP1}{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \'94}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 , serial number 416 registration \'93DQ AFN\'94 aircraft belonging to the Plaintiff and carrying 15 passengers and 2 pilots employed by the Plaintiff crashed causing the death of all on board the said aircraft (hereinafter referred to the said crash).}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847\charrsid13324088 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\langfenp5129\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 7.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls3\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls3\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 On }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 3rd August 1999}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 and }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 4th August 1999}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 on at least three separate occasions First Defendant spoke and the Second Defendant published by broadcast }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 the words following}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 which were defamatory of the Plaintiff: \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid484847 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 Particulars \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \'93 An Air Fiji flight PC 153 bound for Moala in Lau suffered a mechanical failure mid-air causing it to make an emergency landing\'85\'94 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 The Plaintiff will at trial refer to the broadcast in its entirety f}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 or its full meaning and effect.}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\langfenp5129\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 8.\tab}}\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls3\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}} \aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls3\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 The }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 full transcript of the broadcast}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 is as follows: \par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid484847 \i\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 { \i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 {\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \'93 This is news that has just come to hand\'85\'85\'85\'94 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 {\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \'93 An Air Fiji flight PC153 bound for Moala in Lau this afternoon managed to land after its right propeller suffered a mechanical failure mid-air.\'94 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid484847 \fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 { \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \'93 There were seven passengers on board including representatives from various Ministries going to Naroi to attend Lau Provincial Council Meeting.\'94 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \'93Our reporter, who\rquote s covering t he Provincial Meeting on the}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 island, Waisale Tora, says the aircraft managed to make a safe landing.\'94 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \'93 The aircraft is currently undergoing repairs by company engineers who were flown to the island this afternoon with the spare parts.\'94 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \'93The passengers al so include Adi Litia Qionibaravi of the Ministry of Fijian Affairs, Apolosi Turaganivalu from Fisheries and Jo Mainavukea of the Ministry of Information.\'94 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \'93 Our efforts to contact the airline consultant Kalara Vusoniwailala, has been unsuccessful.\'94 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\langfenp5129\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 9.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls3\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls3\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 The ab ove said words by reason of the context in which they were published by broadcast bore the natural and ordinary and inferential meaning given the said crash referred to in paragraph 5 herein and the general concern expressed by the public and media about civil aviation in Fiji that the Plaintiff, as the owner, manager of the said aircraft and thus in overall charge its loading and management of its aircraft: \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\langfenp5129\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (i)\tab}}\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls4\pnrnot0\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls4\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 did not have airworthy aircraft; \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\langfenp5129\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (ii)\tab}}\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls4\pnrnot0\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls4\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 operated aircraft which are unsafe to fly in; \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\langfenp5129\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (iii)\tab}}\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls4\pnrnot0\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls4\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 operated aircraft prone to serious malfunction;}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847\charrsid13324088 \par }\pard\plain \s18\ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 \i\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 operated an aircraft from Nausori to Moala which suffered a serious malfunction to its propeller mid flight on 3 August 1999. \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 \fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\langfenp5129\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 10.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls3\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls3\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 The words spoken, broadcasted or implied of the Plaintiff and its aircraft herein were and are }{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 untrue and false}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 . \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 11.\tab By publication through broadcast of the said words, the Plaintiff has suffered damage and loss to its credit and business reputation as an airline both locally and internationally. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par The plaintiff claims from the defendants: (a) }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 general damages}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 , (b) s}{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 pecial damages}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 , (c) }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 punitive damages}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 , (d) }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 interest}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 and (e) such other order as the Court deems fit. \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid484847 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 BACKGROUND FACTS \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par The writ of summons herein was issued on 13 August 1999. \par \par The alleged defamation arose from a broadcast read by the first defendant and published by the second defendant on 3rd and 4th August 1999. \par \par The broadcast impliedly reminded the listeners of the air crash of the said}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 aircraft EMBRAER EMB 110P1 belonging to the plaintiff on 24 July 1999. \par \par On 23 November 1999 }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Shameem J}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 o rdered that the plaintiff file an amended Statement of Claim to incorporate the full broadcast so that the defendants can properly file a Defence.}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 The Plaintiff filed its Amended Statement of Claim but the defendants did not file their Statement of Defence which led to the judgment being entered in default with damages to be assessed on an application being made under }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Or 19 r.7}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 of the }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 High Court Rules 1988}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 . \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 PLAINTIFF\rquote S SUBMISSION}{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par Mr. W. Clarke, the learned counsel for the plaintiff, submitted that the alleged broadcast was a \lquote }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 special news bulletin}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 and broadcast twice on 3 August and once on 4 August\rquote .}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 He submits that the \lquote broadcast complained of is injurious in a particularly hurtful manner.}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 And that is because it is talking of a near accident and of an emergency, it talks of a mechanical failure mid-air\rquote . \par \par Mr. Clarke submitted that because Air Fiji had just suffered an accident two weeks prior with PC121 makes that damage worse as Mr. McDonald said Air Fiji was already struggling.}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 That was still fresh in the minds of the general public of Fiji and all reasonable persons. \par \par Counsel further submitted that what has been \'93recorded that was alleged to have occurred in this broadcast }{\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 it\rquote s false and untrue}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \'85\'85 and this could have caused pain and serious damage to Air Fiji\rquote s reputation\'94. \par \par Counsel submits that the most important asset of any operation is their image of safety.}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 If that image of safety is tarnished by a broadcast such as this one the circumstances in which it was made keeping in mind the fact that PC 121 was still so fresh in everybody\rquote s mind.}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Instead of finding out what the real facts were, the defendants went ahead and published \lquote this false and untrue story simply to create some }{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847\charrsid13324088 hysteria}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 and panic\rquote .}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par \par It was submitted that the \lquote story\rquote is }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 false and untrue}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 .}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Mr. McDonald}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 giving evidence spoke of how there was a profound effect on the airline flying to its exclusive destination where people would not like to hear information such as this.}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 The witness made it clear in the course of his evidence that if it did happen \lquote no problem with responsible reporting being done of the situation where incidence does in fact occur \rquote . \par \par The plaintiff says that it has suffered damage arising out of this broadcast and makes a claim by this action. \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid484847 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 DEFENDANTS\rquote SUBMISSION \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 \par }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Mr. Matawalu the learned counsel for the defendants said that because of the failure to file a Defence he \lquote }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 concedes}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 that the Amended Statement of Claim now remains the only basis upon which your Lordship will now proceed\rquote . \par \par Counsel submitted on various as}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 pects of the claim for damages.}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 ASSESSMENT OF DAMAGES}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par \par I shall deal with assessment of damages under the various heads appearing hereunder. \par \par In support of the claim for damages evidence was given by }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Mr. Kenneth McDonald}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 , the Chief Executive of Air Fiji Ltd (}{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 PWI}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 ) and }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Mr. David Treveoyn Pitt}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 , Chartered Accountant and Manager Finance, Air Fiji Ltd (}{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 PW2}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 ). \par \par Apart from the learned counsel for the defendants cross-examining the witnesses, the defendants did not adduce any evidence. \par \par At the conclusion of the hearing both counsel made oral submissions. \par \par I am in entire agreement with the submissions made by Mr. Clarke for the Plaintiff in regard to damage caused to Air Fiji\rquote s reputation.}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 This is particularly so when the news item that was broadcast by the defendants on the two days was \lquote }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 false}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \rquote .}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 The defendant at no stage made any attempt to refute the broadcast not even in the cross-examination of witnesses.\tab \par \par Mr. Matawalu is quite right when he said that in the absence of Statement of Defence the Court is left with the Plaintiff\rquote s Statement of Claim to assess damages. \par \par There is no doubt that the Plaintiff has suffered greatly by this irresponsible broadcast.}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 As broadcasters who have been in this field for some years they should have known better and should have been more careful in what they broadcast. \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid484847 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 (i)\tab The Law \endash were the words broadcast defamatory? \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 \par }\pard\plain \s19\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 \fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 It is for the plaintiff to prove that the alleged defamatory words were published of it.}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 On the evidence before me I have no doubt that they were and then of course judgment has already been entered against the defendants in default of defence. \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 \fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par It was said by }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 A.L. Smith M.R.}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 in }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Sadgrove v Hole}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 (1901) 2 K.B. at p.4 that: \par \par }\pard\plain \s20\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid484847 \b\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \'93 The plaintiff in order to succeed in the action must prove a publication of and concerning him of the libellous matter, and if he does not satisfy the onus of proof which is on him in this respect, there is no cause of action.\'94 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 \fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 \par }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 On the evidence before me I hold that the words of the broadcast were capable of bearing a defamatory meaning. \par \par A similar situation as in the present case arose in }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Gillick v British Broadcasting Corporation and Anor}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 (}{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 TLR}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 at 527, 20.10.95 C.A.).}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 There a }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 live television broadcast}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 was made by the }{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 B B C }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 and }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Lord Justice Neill}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 had to deal with whether the words complained of were capable of bearing the meaning alleged in the amended statement of claim therein.}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 The actual meaning had yet to be determined. \par \par In this case in the absence of a Statement of Defence, inter alia, denying the allegations, one has no alternative but to come to the conclusion that the broadcast was \lquote }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 false}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \rquote and \lquote }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 untrue}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \rquote as alleged. \par \par On the facts and circumstances of this case I have considered the following principles on which the Court approaches the task of deciding the meaning to be attributed to the alleged words broadcast as summarised by }{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Neill L.J.}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 in }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Gillick}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 (supra) at p.528 from the guidance given and the principles stated by }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Sir Thomas Bingham M.R.}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 in }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Skuse v Granada Television Ltd }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 (unreported March 30, 1993): \par }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\langfenp5129\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 1.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls5\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls5\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 The court should give to the material complained of th e natural and ordinary meaning which it would have conveyed to the ordinary reasonable viewer watching the programme once. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\langfenp5129\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 2.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls5\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls5\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 The hypothetical reasonable reader or viewer was not na\'efve but he was not unduly suspicious.}{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 He could read between the lines.}{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 He could read in an implication more readily than a lawyer and might indulge in a certain amount of loose thinking.}{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 But he must be treated as being a man who was not avid for scandal and someone who did not, and should not, select one bad meaning where other non-defamatory meanings were available. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\langfenp5129\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 3.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls5\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls5\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 While limiting its attention to what the defendant had actually said or written the court should be cautious of an over-elaborate analysis of the material in issue. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\langfenp5129\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 4.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls5\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls5\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 A television audience would not give the programme the}{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 analytical attention of a lawyer to the meaning of a document, an auditor to the interpretation of accounts, or an academic to the content of a learned article. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\langfenp5129\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 5.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls5\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls5\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 In deciding what impression the material complained of would have been likely to have on th e hypothetical reasonable viewer the court were entitled, if not bound to have regard to the impression made. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\langfenp5129\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 6.\tab}}\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls5\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}} \aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls5\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid484847 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 The court should not be too literal in its approach. \par }\pard\plain \s22\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 \b\i\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 { \b0\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\s22 \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\langfenp5129\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 7.\tab}}\pard \s22\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls5\pnrnot0 \pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls5\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 {\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 A statement should be taken to be defamatory if it would tend}{\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 to lower the plaintiff in the estimation of right-thinking members of society generally, or be likely to affect a person adversely in the estimation of reasonable people generally. \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 \fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par Applying the above principles I have come to the conclusion that the words of the broadcast must have affected Air Fiji \'93adversely in the estimation of reasonable persons generally\'94 , and I agree with the submission of the learned counsel for the plaintiff in this regard. \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid484847 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 (ii)\tab Damages in defamation \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par In this case the plaintiff is entitled to damages as a relief for defamation. \par \par The damages have to be assessed on a }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 compensatory basis}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 ; but in some circumstances }{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 exemplary}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 (or }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 punitive}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 ) damages can be awarded. \par \par {\pntext\pard\plain\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\langfenp5129\insrsid484847 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (a)\tab}}\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls8\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnb1\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}} \aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls8\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Compensatory damages}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par As stated by }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Duncan and Neill in Defamation}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 (1978 Edition) at page 130 for }{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 compensatory damages}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 , the \lquote }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 basic rule of common law is that in civil action damages are awarded as compensation for injury, not as punishment for wrongdoing}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \rquote .}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 (18.03).}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 The authors go on to state: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid484847 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \'93The purpose of an award of compensatory damages is to restore t he plaintiff, as far as money can do so, to the position he would have been in if the tort had not been committed.}{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 This principle of restitutio in integrum was stated by }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Lord Blackburn}{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 in Livingstone v Rawyards Coal Co as follows: \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }\pard\plain \s19\ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 \fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \lquote Where any injury is to be compensated by damages, in settling the sum of money to be given for reparation of damages you should as nearly as possible get at that sum of money which would put the party who has been injured, or who has suffered, in the same position as he would h ave been in if he had not sustained the wrong for which he is now getting hi}{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 s compensation or reparation\rquote .\'94}{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 \fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par In defamation cases, as compared to actions for personal injuries where awards for personal injuries for pain and suffering and loss of amenity}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 have achieved a measure of uni}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 formity, awards, however, in defamation do not approximate to any conventional scale (}{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Neill}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 , supra). \par \par The nature of damages and the purposes for which it is awarded has been well expressed by }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Windeyer J}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 in }{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Uren v John Fairfax & Sons Pty Ltd}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 [1967] 117 CLR at 150 thus and is worth noting: \par \par }\pard\plain \s21\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid484847 \b\i\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \'93 It seems to me that, properly speaking, a man defamed does not get compensation for his damaged reputation.}{\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 He gets damages because he was injured in his reputation, that is simply because he was publicly defamed.}{\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 For this reason, compensation by damages operates in two ways \endash as a vindication of the plaintiff to the public and as consolation to him for a wrong done.}{\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Compensation is here a solatium rather than a monetary recompense for harm measurable in money.\'94 \par }\pard \s21\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid484847 \fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \'93 This is why it is not necessarily fair to compare awards of damages in this field with damages for personal injuries.}{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Quite obviously, the award must include factors for injury to the feelings, the anxiety and uncertainty undergone in the litigation, }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 the absence of apology}{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 , or the reaffirmation of the truth of the matters complained of, or the malice of the defendant.}{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 The bad conduct of the plaintiff himself may also enter into the matter, where he has provoked the libel, or where perhaps he has libelled the defendant in reply.}{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 What is awarded is thus a figure which cannot be arrived at by any purely objective computation.}{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 This is what is meant when the damages in defamation are described as being \'93at large\'94.\'94}{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 (emphasis added) \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 Factors considered in awarding compensatory damages \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 \par }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 As stated in }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Neill}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 (supra) at }{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 18.09}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 the factors which are to be taken into account in assessing damages, apart from the \lquote }{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 seriousness of the libel is of course always a relevant consideration, the other factors to be considered are: (a) special damages; (b) injury to the plaintiff\rquote s feelings including aggravating factors; (c) extent of the publication; and (d) mitigating factors}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 .\rquote \par \par The factors relevant in considering the measure of damages in defamation case have been held as follows in the }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Singapore Court of Appeal}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 case of }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Tang Liang Hong v Lee Kuan Yew & Anor and other appeals}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 [1998] 1 SLR 97 (CA) (also reported in Commonwealth Law Bulletin \endash January and April 1998 at 195): \par }\pard\plain \s21\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 \b\i\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 \par }\pard \s21\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid484847 {\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \'93First, a defamation action was fundamentally an action to vindicate a person \rquote s reputation on a matter as to which he had been falsely defamed, and the damages awarded had to be regarded as the demonstrative mark of that vindication.}{\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Thus, the amount of damages awarded in defamation actions was only given in relation to circumstances of the past and present but it must be sufficient to vindicate the plaintiff\rquote s reputation in the relevant respect in the future.}{\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Damages, and the size of the award, were the only means which ordinarily were available to attract the public or private attention involved in the vindication of the plaintiff\rquote s position; Dingle v Associated Newspapers Ltd & Ors [1964] AC 371, Broome v Cassell and Co Ltd [1972] AC}{\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 1027 and John Fairfax & Sons Ltd v Carson (1991) 24 NSWLR 259 followed.}{\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 The defamation award also had to reflect the aggravation caused to the plaintiff by the defendant\rquote s subsequent conduct or any mitigation, in addition to the need to vindicate the plaintiff\rquote s good name; Sutcliffe v Pressdram Ltd [1991] 1 QB 153, Rantzen v Mirror Group Newspapers (1986) Ltd & Ors [1994] QB 670 and Carson v John Fairfax and Sons Ltd \{1993) 178 CLR 44 followed.}{ \b0\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }\pard \s21\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par For the purposes of this case, evidence has been adduced as to the alleged loss suffered by the plaintiff. \par \par (b)\tab }{\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Special damages}{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 . \par \par The plaintiff is claiming }{\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 special damages}{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 . \par \par The law as to claim for \lquote }{\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 special damage}{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \rquote has been stated clearly as follows by }{ \i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Neill}{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 (supra) at }{\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 18.10}{ \b0\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 and I consider it apt to be borne in mind in assessing damages. \par }{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 \par }\pard \s21\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid484847 {\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \'93Special damage for the purpose of the l aw of defamation may be defined as any material or temporal loss which is either a pecuniary loss or is capable of being estimated in money.}{\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Thus, for example, a plaintiff is entitled in an action for defamation to recover as special damage any pecuniary l oss suffered as a result of losing his employment or a contract because of the publication of the defamatory matter.}{\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Furthermore, }{ \i0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 special damage can include the loss not only of a specific contract or of any specific customers but also a general loss of business}{ \i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 .}{\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Where, however, the plaintiff wishes to claim special damage he must give particulars of his loss in the pleadings and give discovery of any relevant documents.}{\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \b0\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 (emphasis mine) \par }\pard \s21\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par In the case before me, the plaintiff has stated \lquote }{\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 general loss of business}{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \rquote and has produced facts and figures in this regard. \par \par It is said that \lquote }{\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 a publication in a national newspaper or by means of a television or radio may lead to a very substantial award because the defamatory material is likely to come to the notice of a very large number of people \'85}{ \b0\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \rquote (Neill, supra at 18.14). \par \par The broadcast was a very damaging allegation against a successful airline company with a good reputation except when there was a serious accident 10 days before the present defamatory broadcast.}{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \b0\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 That accident tarnished the Plaintiff\rquote s reputation and no doubt would have affected it as far as people wanting to travel by its aircrafts. \par \par Subject to what I say hereafter, the plaintiff is entitled to special damages. \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid484847 \fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 (c)\tab Exemplary damages \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 The plaintiff claims }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 exemplary or punitive damages}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 . \par \par I shall now consider whether exemplary damages should be awarded in this case or not. \par \par On the aspect of \lquote }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 exemplary damages}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \rquote , particularly its nature and in what circumstances it is awarded, }{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Lord Devlin}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 has dealt with it quite extensively in the }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 House of Lords}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 case of }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Rookes v Barnard and Others}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 1964 AC 1129 at 1221 \endash 1231. \par \par I refer to the salient features of the exemplary principle as stated by }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Lord Devlin}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 .}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 He said (at 1221): \par }\pard\plain \s21\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 \b\i\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 \par }\pard \s21\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid484847 {\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \'93Exemplary damages are essentially different from ordinary damages.}{ \i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 The object of damages in the usual sense of the term is to compensate.}{\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 The object of exemplary damages is to punish and deter\'85..\'94 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 \fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par It was }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 held}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 in }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Rookes}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 (supra) at 1131: \par }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid484847 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \'93that exemplary damages could be awarded in cases (i) of oppre ssive, arbitrary or unconstitutional acts by government servants; (ii) where the defendant\rquote s conduct had been calculated by him to make a profit for himself which might well exceed the compensation payable to the plaintiff; (iii) where expressly authorised by statute (post, pp. 1226 1227); that in a case in which exemplary damages were appropriate a jury should be directed that only if the sum which they had in mind to award as compensation (which might of course be aggravated by the defendant\rquote s behaviour t o the plaintiff) was inadequate to punish and deter him, could it award some larger sum (post, p.1228); that the facts disclosed in the summing-up showed no case for exemplary damages and possibly none for aggravated damages (post, pp. 1232, 1233); howeve r, the plaintiff could, without any departure from the compensatory principle, invite the jury to look at all the surrounding circumstances and award a round sum based on the pecuniary loss proved (post, pp. 1221, 1233).\'94 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Lord Devlin}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 said that the three considerations stated above \lquote }{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 should always be borne in mind when awards of exemplary damages are being considered}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \rquote . \par \par A case of damages similar to the present case arose in the }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Malaysian case}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 of }{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Chong Siew Chiang v Chua Ching Geh & Anor}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 [1995] 1 MLJ 551 (HC) (also re}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 ported in Commonwealth Law Bull}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 etin, April 1995 at 483).}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 There the High Court, in awarding RM 30,000 in compensatory damages, }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 held}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 (inter alia): \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\langfenp5129\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 1.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls7\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls7\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 In a libel action, the general rule is that damages are assessed on a compensatory basis.}{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 However, in certain circumstances, exemplary damages may be awarded.}{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \b\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Compensatory damages may include special damages}{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 and if aggravating circumstances exist, aggravated damages can also be awarded. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\langfenp5129\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 2.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls7\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls7\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Before considering any exemplary damages, it must be considered first whether the sum in mind for compensatory damages would be adequate.}{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 In the present case, exemplary damages may only be awarded if the libel had been done with guilty knowledge, with the motive that the changes of economic advantage outweigh the chances of economic penalty. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\langfenp5129\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 3.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls7\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls7\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 The damage sustained by a plaintiff must depend substantially on the estimation in which he was previously held in the opinion of others unaffected by the libel.}{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 It is his reputation and not his character that is relevant in assessing damages.}{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 (emphasis added)}{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par Applying the principles applicable to \lquote exemplary damages\rquote to the facts and circumstances of this case I do not consider it to be case of award of exemplary damages. \par \par I have come to this conclusion mainly because I intend to award adequate sum as compensation inclusive of special damages sufficient to punish the defendants.}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Also because it is highly unlikely that this careless act would be repeated as being a case of \lquote once bitten twice shy\rquote .}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 When I say this I should not be understood as departing from the principle stated below by }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Sir Thomas Bingham M R }{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 in }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 John v MGN Ltd}{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 (T.L.R. 14.12.1995 675 at 677 C.A.): \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid484847 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \'93 The authorities gave judges no help in directing juries on the quantum of exemplary damages.}{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Some such damages, were analagous to a criminal penalty, and although paid to the plaintiff played no part in compensating him, principle required that award should never exceed the minimum sum necessary to meet the underlying public purpose: that of punishing the defendant, showing that tort did not pay and deterring others.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid484847 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 INTEREST \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par The plaintiff has claimed interest in the pleadings.}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 A claim for interest is only appropriate where the plaintiff is claiming damages for financial loss (}{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Gatley}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 ibid}{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 26.36}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 ). \par \par Therefore the plaintiff is entitled to interest in this action. \par \par }\pard\plain \s19\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid484847 \fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 CONCLUSION \par }\pard \s19\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par In the outcome, for the reasons stated hereabove on the facts and circumstances of this case and on the authorities the plaintiff is entitled to }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 general}{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 and special damages}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 (}{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 as compensation}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 ) with }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 interest}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 and }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 costs}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 . \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 \fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par Assessing damages for defamation is fraught with difficulties and the general picture that presents itself in such a case can be obtained from the speech of }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Lord Atkin}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 in }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Ley v Hamilton}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 (1935) 153 L.T. 384, H.L) where he said: \par }\pard\plain \s21\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 \b\i\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 \par }\pard \s21\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid484847 {\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \'93Speaking of damages for defamation Lord Atkin said that they were not arrived at by determining the \lquote real\rquote damage and adding to that a sum by way of vindictive or punitive damages.}{\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 It is precisely because the \lquote real\rquote damage cannot be ascertained and established that the }{\i0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 damag es are at large}{\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 .}{\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 It is impossible to track the scandal, to know what quarters the poison may reach: it is impossible to weigh at all closely the compensation which will recompense a man or a woman for the insult offered }{ \i0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 or the pain of a false accusation}{\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 .}{\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 No doubt in newspaper libels juries take into account the vast circulations which are justly claimed in present times.}{\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 The \lquote punitive\rquote element is not something which is or can be added to some known factor which is non-punitive.\'94}{\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \b0\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 (emphasis mine) \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 \fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par There are two defendants in this case.}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 The first defendant was at all material times employed as a journalist by the second defendant. \par \par As stated in the Amended Statement of Claim the first defendant spoke and the second defendant published by broadcast the words which were defamatory of the plaintiff. \par \par Judgment in default of defence was entered against both of them.}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 As far as }{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 liability}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 is concerned, the principles of vicarious liability are as much applicable to defamation as to any other act.}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 On this }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Gatley on Libel and Slander}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 9th Ed. states: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid484847 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \lquote First, that where A procures or authorises B to commit a tort, A is liable with B as a joint tortfeasor.}{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Secondly, that where there is a relationship in the nature of employment (commonly referred to as that of \'93master and servant\'94 and signifying a contract of services) between A and B \'93 in the course of that employment B (the servant) commits a tort, A is vicariously liable for B\rquote s act\'94. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par In view of the above passage and on the facts of this case the second defendant is not only vicariously liable for the defamation }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 but also in its own right}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 for having authorised or participated in the \lquote publication\rquote of the defamatory alleged news item. \par \par What I have stated above should not be taken to mean that the master (second defendant) is liable for defamation by the servant and not the servant, for that is not so as \'93}{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 it is a fundamental principle of English law that no tortfeasor can excuse himself from the consequences of his acts by setting up that he was acting only as the agent of another.\'94}{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 per }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Lord Moulton}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 in }{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Vacher v}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 London Society of Compositors}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 [1913] A.C. 107 at 131. \par \par As I have stated hereabove the plaintiff is entitled to compensatory damages by way of }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 general}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 and }{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 special damages and interest}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 . \par \par In this case in assessing damages one cannot lose sight of the fact that as stated in item 6 of the amended statement of claim that: \'93On 24th July 1999 an \'c9mbraer EMB 110P1 serial number 416 registration \'93DQ AFN\'94 aircraft belonging to the plaintiff and carrying 15 passengers and 2 pilots employed by the plaintiff crashed causing the death of all on board the said aircraft\'94. \par \par This fatal disaster no doubt caused a damaging blow to the plaintiff as an airline and it goes without saying that the travelling public must have shyed away from engaging the Airline to travel for some considerable time resulting in loss of revenue to it. \par \par Now to add fuel to fire so to say, barely 10 days later on 3 & 4 August 1999 a further serious blow was inflicted on the Airline with the present \lquote }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 false and untrue }{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 broadcast.}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 No doubt had the broadcast been true the damage caused would not have been so severe. \par \par The general picture therefore is one of an Airline which was almost on its knees as a consequence of the said crash of EMBRAER EMB 110P1 when within a matter of days another blow lands on it akin to hitting below the belt.}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 What the motive of the defendants were in broadcasting this false and damaging so called news item is beyond my comprehension as no apology or explanation has come out in evidence.}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 There is no apology and no remorse shown by the defendants and the fact that they failed to file Statement of Defence is sufficient to show that there is no defence. \par \par A greater amount can be awarded where \'93}{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 the publication of a libel was irresponsible.}{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 No effort was made to check the report\rquote s accuracy and the plaintiff\rquote s name was included}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \'94 (}{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Kiam v Neill and Another}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 TLR 26.7.96 p 33 C.A.). \par \par The }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Court of Appeal}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 went on to say further: \par }\pard\plain \s21\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 \b\i\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 \par }\pard \s21\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid484847 {\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \'93The libel jury could properly take into account the prominence of the plaintiff \rquote s reputation when deciding what figure was required to vindicate it.}{\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 They were also entitled to take account of the fact that it struck at the core of his life\rquote s achievement and that, according to the unchallenged evidence, it had a prolonged and significant effect on him personally\'94. \par }\pard \s21\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 \fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 It is also pertinent to note what }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Sir Thomas Bingham M.R. }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 said in }{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 John v MGN Ltd}{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 ([1996] 2 All ER 35, 48).}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 He said: \par }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid484847 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \'93 The most important factor is the gravity of the libel; the more closely it touches the plaintiff\rquote s person integrity, professional reputation, honour, courage, loyalty and the core attributes of his personality, the more serious it is likely to be.} {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 The extent of publication is also very relevant: a libel published to millions has a greater potential to cause damage than a libel published to a handful of people.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par For these reasons on the facts and circumstances of this case and bearing in mind the principles pertaining to the assessment of damages, I assess }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 general damage }{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 in the sum of}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 $80,000.00}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 (eighty thousand dollars). \par \par I shall now deal with }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 special damages}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 . \par \par As Neill (supra) has said \'93}{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \'85special damage can include the loss not only of a specific contract or of any specific customers but also a general loss of business}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \'94. \par \par The plaintiff has no doubt suffered a general loss of business and this is what it is claiming in exhibit P1 which is claim for loss.}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 It has with it a \lquote }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 summary of claim for loss}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \rquote which is as follows showing a claim for loss at }{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 $245,383.00}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 : \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid484847 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \'93Loss of Revenue from 3 August 1999 to 31 December 1999 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Revenue for the period 3rd August 1999 to 31 December 1999 \par }\pard \ql \li2160\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 As per schedule 3}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 \tab \tab \tab }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 $4,655,151 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Revenue for the period 3rd August 1998 to 31 December 1998 \par }\pard \ql \li2160\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 As per schedule 3\tab \tab }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 $5,984,954 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Loss of revenue 1998 to 1999 for above period}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 $1,329,803 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid484847 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Loss of Revenue as a percentage of 1998 revenue}{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 22.21% \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Revenue for the period 24 July 1999 to 3 August 1999 \par }\pard \ql \li2160\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 As per schedule 2\tab \tab \tab \tab }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 $311,605 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Revenue for the period 24 July 1998 to 3 August 1998 \par }\pard \ql \li2160\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 As per schedule 2\tab \tab \tab \tab }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 $380,521 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Loss of Revenue 1998 to 1999 for above period}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 $}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 68,916 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10630622 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid10630622 Loss of Revenue as a percentage of 1998 revenue \tab }{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847\charrsid10630622 }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid10630622 18.11%}{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid484847 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Increased Revenue loss from 3 August to 31 December \par }\pard \ql \li2160\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid484847 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 as a percentage of 1998 Revenue}{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \tab \tab }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 4.10%}{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid10630622 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid10630622 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Calculation of loss from 3 August to 31 December 1999}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid10630622 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 4.10% of 1998 Revenue = 4.10% of $5,984,954}{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10630622 \tab }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 $245,383 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid10630622 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid10630622 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Claim for loss\tab \tab \tab \tab \tab }{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10630622 \tab }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 $245,383\'94 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par No doubt the fatal crash of 24 July 1999 caused more loss of revenue or business than the broadcast of 3 August 1999. \par \par Doubtless the plaintiff was still suffering loss of revenue when it was defamed by this broadcast.}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 The plaintiff has calculated its loss of revenue in 1999 by comparing it with the 1998 revenue and has worked out the percentage of loss at 4.10 % of 1998 increase of $5,984,954. \par \par The greatest loss was in my view due to that fatal crash with loss of lives and in my estimation on the evidence the loss through these defamatory words was not quite like the percentage worked out by the plaintiff.}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid484847 }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 I would in the circumstances and on the facts assess the loss at }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 $120,000.00}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 (}{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4528402 one }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 hundred and twenty thousand dollars}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 ). \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4528402 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4528402 Order}{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid4528402 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid4528402 \par }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 For these reasons, there will therefore be }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 judgment}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 for the plaintiff against the defendants in the sum of }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 $80,000.00}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 (}{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 eighty thousand dollars}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 ) as }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 general damages}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 and the sum of }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 $120,000.00}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 (}{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 One Hundred twenty thousand dollars}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 ) by way of }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 special damages}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 making a total of }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 $200,000.00 }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 (}{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 two hundred thousand dollars}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 ) by way of assessment of damages together with }{ \b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 interest}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 thereon at }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 5%}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 from 3rd August 1999 to date of this judgment with }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 costs}{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 which I fix at }{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 $1000.00 }{\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 (}{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 one thousand dollars}{ \lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 ). \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4528402 {\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 D. Pathik \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 Judge}{\b\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13324088 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid4528402 \par At Suva \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4528402 {\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1250207\charrsid13324088 23 June 2004 \par }}