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{\author Gurmeet}{\operator blake_r}{\creatim\yr2005\mo12\dy13\hr9\min56}{\revtim\yr2005\mo12\dy13\hr9\min56}{\printim\yr2004\mo7\dy28\hr14\min52}{\version2}{\edmins0}{\nofpages5}{\nofwords1610}{\nofchars9183}{\*\company Judicial Department}
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\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4289466 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid4289466 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 AT SUVA
\par CIVIL JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2708282 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid7738247 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4289466 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid4289466 CIVIL ACTION NO. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282\charrsid4289466 HBC0}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid4289466 236 OF 2003
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2708282 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid7738247 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4289466 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid4289466 Between:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2708282 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid7738247 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4289466 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid4289466 PICKET FENCES (FIJI) LIMITED
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid4289466 Plaintiff
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2708282 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid7738247 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4289466 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4289466 -v-}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2708282 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid7738247 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4289466 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid4289466 NICK VASUTABU
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4289466 Defe}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 ndant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2708282 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 
\par }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid4289466 Mr. J. Savou}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282  for the Plaintiff
\par }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid4289466 Mr. W. Archibald}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282  for the Defendant
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2708282 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 DECISION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2708282 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 
\par By }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 motion}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282  dated 5 March 2004 the defendant (\lquote }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 
applicant}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 \rquote ) applies to set aside default judgment entered herein on 28 July 2003 for the sum of $21,518.91.
\par 
\par An affidavit in support of }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 Nick Vosutabu }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 (the \lquote applicant\rquote ) sworn 6 February 2004 has been filed.
\par 
\par The main ground for setting aside is that the applicant could not properly instruct his counsel to prepare his Statement of Defence as he was put to sea on the fishing vessel \'93Orcedia\'94 as the supervisor of}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7738247  an expedition to collect b\'ea}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11415125 ch-}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 de}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11415125 -}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 mer from}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11415125  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 the waters around the Lau Group of Islands in Fiji.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 
While he was at sea he became seriously ill in that he suffered a stroke which paralysed the right side of his body, consequently he was admitted to the CWM Hospital in July 2002.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 He has produced}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 a medical report of his illness.
\par 
\par The applicant says that documents herein were served on his counsel Mr. Archibald and not on him personally and it was at that time that he was \lquote put to sea\rquote .
\par 
\par Because of his illness he was unable to contact his counsel to give him proper instructions concerning his defence to this action.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 
He was also unable for some months afterwards to properly attend to his business matters.
\par 
\par The applicant says that he has a good defence to the claims made by the plaintiff and has annexed the proposed Statement of Defence to his said affidavit.
\par 
\par The applicant further says that the civil action No. 48/04 is at present pending in the Suva High Court wherein Atama Saulekaleka, the plaintiff herein and Jioji Savou are the first, second and third defendants respectively with
 the applicant as the plaintiff.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 He wants}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 action No. 48/04 to be heard together with this action as the issues here relate to the transactions between}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 the parties.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9263713 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid9263713 The respondent\rquote s contention
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2708282 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 
\par In the affidavit of }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 Atama Saulekaleka}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282  (the Managing Director of the plaintiff Company) in response, it is stated how an 
\lquote agreement\rquote  was entered into between the plaintiff and the defendant.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 
At some stage the plaintiff asked for the return of a certain vehicle to it which the defendant refused.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 Subsequently the plaint
iff came to know that the vehicle was the subject of an accident and was substantially damaged.
\par 
\par When the defendant refused to return the vehicle, the plaintiff sued the defendant for their losses.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 The vehicle, the plaintiff says, is now 
\lquote a wreck and a write off\rquote .
\par 
\par The defendant swore an affidavit in response to the said affidavit of the plaintiff denying the allegations.
\par 
\par He states, inter alia, that the motor vehicle concerned was damaged in an accident in January 2004 which was }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 after}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 
 these proceedings were commenced.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 He said that he had left the vehicle with a mechanic/panel beater for repairs.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 He was quoted $1800.00 for the repair work.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 Mr. Saulekaleka removed the vehicle from the mechanic\rquote s premises before the repairs could be completed.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9263713 {\insrsid292269\charrsid9263713 
\par }{\b\insrsid292269\charrsid9263713 Principles on setting aside judgment
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2708282 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 
\par Under }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 Or.13 r.10 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 the Court may set aside or vary \lquote any judgment\rquote  unconditionally or on terms.
\par 
\par The Court has a very wide discretion in an application of this nature but it is also guided by certain well known principles.
\par 
\par One of the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 principles}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282  is that:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2708282 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 \'93
unless and until the court has pronounced a judgment upon the merits or by consent, it is to have the power to revoke the expression of its coercive power where that has only been obtained by a failure to follow any of the rules of procedure\'94.}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 (per }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 Lord Atkin}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282  in }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 Evans v Bartlam }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 [1937] A.C. 473}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 )
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2708282 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 
\par The basic principles applicable to setting aside judgments in the exercise of Court\rquote s discretion are set out in }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 Halsbury}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7738247 '}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 s Laws of England Vol 37 4th Ed. para 403, }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 inter alia, thus:
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2708282 \b\i\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 \'93In the cas
e of a regular judgment, it is an almost inflexible rule that the application must be supported by an affidavit of merits stating the facts showing that the defendant has a defence on the merits,\'85}{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282  }{
\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 For this purpose it is enough to show that there is an arguable case for a triable issue.\'94
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2708282 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 
\par There it is further stated:
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2708282 \b\i\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 \'93
There is no rigid rule requiring the applicant to explain why he allowed judgment to go by default, but nevertheless, at least in the case of a regular judgment, such explanation is obviously d
esirable to enable the court to exercise its discretion, especially as to any and if so what terms should be imposed.\'94
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2708282 {\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 
\par This was a \lquote regular\rquote  judgment obtained in default of defence.}{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282  }{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 
The defendant does not have a right to have it set aside but it is a matter for the exercise of }{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 discretion}{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 
 by the Court.
\par 
\par It is stated in }{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 The Supreme Court Practice 1993}{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282  }{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 p.137-138 that:

\par 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2708282 {\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 \'93\'85
 the major consideration is where the defendant has disclosed defence on the merits, and this transcends any reasons given by him on the dela
y in making the application even if the explanation given by him is false (Vann v Awford (1986) 83 L.S. Gaz. 1725, The Times, April 23, 1986 C.A.).}{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282  }{
\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 The fact that he has told lies in seeking to explain the delay, however, may affect his credibility of his defence and the way in which the Court should exercise its discretion\'94}{
\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 .}{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282  }{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2708282 {\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid7738247 
\par }{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 A useful summary of the factors to be taken into consideration is to be found under }{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 Notes}{
\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282  to }{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 Or.13 r.9}{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282  of }{
\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 The Supreme Court Practice 1995}{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282  }{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 Vol 1}{
\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282  at 142 which I have considered and which is, inter alia, as follows:
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9263713 {\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 \'93
The purpose of the discretionary power is to avoid the injustice which may be caused if judgment follows automatically on default.}{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282  }{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 
The primary consideration in exercising the discretion is whether the defendant has merits to
 which the court should pay heed, not as a rule of law but as a matter of common sense, since there is no point in setting aside a judgment if the defendant can show merits, the court will not prima facie desire to let a judgment pass on which there has b
een no proper adjudication.}{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282  }{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 
Also as a matter of common sense the court will take into account the explanation of the defendant as to how the default occurred.}{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2708282 {\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 
\par There it is further stated:
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7738247 {\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 \'93The foregoing general indications of the way in which the court exe
rcises discretion are derived from the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Alpine Bulk Transport Co. Inc. v. Saudi Eagle Shipping Co. Inc., The Saudi Eagle [1986] 2 Lloyd\rquote s Rep. 221, C.A., at p. 223, where the earlier cases are summarised.}{
\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282  }{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 From that case the following propositions may be derived:
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7738247 {\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid7738247 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid7738247 {\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9263713 (a) }{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 
It is not sufficient to show a merely \'93arguable\'94 defence that would justify leave to defend under Order 14; it must both have \'93a real prospect of success\'94 and \'93carry some degree of conviction\'94.}{
\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282  }{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 Thus the court must form a provisional view of the probable outcome of the action.
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7738247 {\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid7738247 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid7738247 {\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9263713 (b) }{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 
If proceedings are deliberately ignored this conduct, although not amounting to an estoppel at law, must be considered \'93in justice\'94 before exercising the court\rquote s discretion to set aside.\'94
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2708282 {\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 
\par }{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 Also on the subject of setting aside default judgment, in }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid9263713 Davies v Pagett}{
\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282  (1986) 10 FCR 226 at 232 a Full Court of the Federal Court of Australia said as follows and I concur and which I have borne in mind in considering this matter:
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9263713 {\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 \'93The fundamental duty of the court is to do justice between the parties.}{
\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282  }{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 
It is, in turn, fundamental to that duty that the parties should each be allowed a proper opportunity to put their cases upon the merits of the matter.}{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282  }{
\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 Any limitation upon that opportunity will gener
ally be justified only by the necessity to avoid prejudice to the interests of some other party, occasioned by misconduct, in the case, of the party upon whom the limitation is sought to be imposed.}{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282  }{
\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 The temptation to impose a limitation through motives of 
professional discipline or general deterrence is readily understandable; but, in our opinion it is an erroneous exercise of the relevant discretion to yield to that temptation.}{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282  }{
\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 The problem of delays in the courts, egregious as it is, must be dealt with in 
other ways; for example, by disciplinary actions against offending practitioners and by a comprehensive system of directions, hearings or other pretrial procedures which enable the court to supervise progress \endash  and, more pertinently non-progress 
\endash  in all act}{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9263713 ions.\'94}{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2708282 {\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9263713\charrsid9263713 
\par }{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 Consideration of the application
\par }{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 
\par I shall now consider the application to set aside bearing in mind the background facts of the case and applying the principles applicable to it.
\par 
\par As stated above to enable the Court to properly exercise its discretion there are certain basic preconditions which have to be fulfilled by an applicant.}{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282  }{
\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 They are:}{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9263713 
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9263713 {\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 
(i) reasons why judgment was allowed to be entered by default, (ii) application must be made promptly and without delay and (iii) an affidavit deposing to facts that show that the defendant has a defence on the merits.}{
\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282  }{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 (}{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 Pankaj Bamola & Anor v Moran Ali}{
\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282  FCA 59/90).
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2708282 {\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 
\par As far as}{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282  }{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 (i) & (ii) }{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 
above are concerned, the learned counsel for the applicant has given reasons why Statement of Defence was not filed.
\par 
\par It is }{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 (iii)}{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282  above which has to be given serious consideration.}{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282  
}{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 I have already referred to authorities bearing on this aspect of the matter.}{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282  }{
\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 As already stated, the major consideration is whether the \lquote }{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 
defendant has disclosed a defence on the merits, and this transcends any reasons given by him on the delay in making the application even if the application given by him is false\rquote .}{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282  }{
\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 And as }{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 Lord Denning M.R.}{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282  said in }{
\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 Burns v Kondel}{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282  (1971) 1 Lloyd\rquote s Rep. 554 at 555:
\par }{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9263713 {\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 \'93We all know that in the ordinary way the Court does not 
set aside a judgment in default unless there is an affidavit showing a defence on the merits.}{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282  }{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 
That does not mean that the defendant must show a good defence on the merits.}{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282  }{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 
He need only show a defence which discloses an arguable or triable issue.\'94
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2708282 {\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 
\par }{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 I find on the affidavit evidence before me and on a consideration of all the material put to Court, that there is a substantial and meritorious defence disclosed.
\par 
\par The Court has a discretion in the matter in the case of a regular judgment where a defence on merits has been shown.}{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282  }{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 
If the judgment is set aside, the Court may award costs payable by the defendant and upon other terms.
\par 
\par }{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 Conclusion
\par 
\par }{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 In the outcome, in the exercise of my discretion and applying the principles and authorities stated above within which the defendant has brought }{
\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9263713\charrsid2708282 himself;}{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282  the judgment ought to be set aside.}{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282  }{
\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 
The plaintiff will not be prejudiced in any way and it will be able to recover payment of any judgment as it cannot be said that the defendant is not able to meet his obligations if judgment goes against him.
\par 
\par The judgment is ordered to be set aside with costs against the defendant in the sum of $250.00.}{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2708282  }{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 
The defendant is ordered to file a Statement of Defence within 14 days from the date of this judgment failing which the judgment will stand.
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2708282 {\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 D. Pathik
\par }{\i0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 Judge
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2708282 {\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid2708282 
\par }{\b0\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid292269\charrsid7738247 At Suva
\par 30 July 2004
\par }}