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\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 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\pararsid14700758 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14700758 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 CIVIL ACTION NO. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758 HBC0}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 355 OF 2003
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14700758 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14700758 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 Between:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14700758 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14700758 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 TAITO NAVUALABA
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 Plaintiff
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14700758 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14700758 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 and
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14700758 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14700758 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 THE COMMANDER, REPUBLIC OF FIJI
\par MILITARY FORCES
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14700758 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14700758 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 THE COMMISSIONER, REPUBLIC OF FIJI
\par POLICE FORCES
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14700758 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14700758 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL OF FIJI
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 Defendants
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14700758 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
\par Mr. S. Valenitabua for the Plaintiff
\par Mr. W. Calanchini for the 1st Defendant
\par Mr. K. Keteca for the 3rd Defendant
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14700758 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 DECISION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14700758 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
\par This is the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 first defendant\rquote s }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 (D1) summons to strike out the plaintiff\rquote s Statement of Claim under }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 Or.18 r.18(1)(a), (b) & (d)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758  of the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
High Court Rules 1988}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758  on the grounds that: (a) it discloses no reasonable cause of action against the first defen
dant, (b) it is scandalous, frivolous and vexatious and (c) it is otherwise an abuse of}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 the process of the Court.
\par 
\par I have before me in 4 paragraph of the affidavit filed in support of the application, and that is the only relevant paragraph, which states that \'93
no notice regarding this action was given to the RFMF one month or at any time before the commencement of the Action}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758 \'94.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 The learned counsel for the plaintiff filed an affidavit in reply, stating in essence that there is no such requirement that a month\rquote 
s notice is to be given and that it is only required for an action that is brought against any Officer or soldier for anything done by him under the Fi}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758 ji Military Forces Act, Cap. 81}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
\par 
\par It is the applicant\rquote s submission that D1 should not have been joined a party to the action.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
Counsel submits that D1 himself has not been involved in the alleged assault nor is it claimed that he authorised, ordered or sanctioned the alleged assault.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 It is further submitted that the \'93Commander cannot be joined as an employer since it is the State which is the only proper defendant in relatio}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758 n to }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 vicarious liability.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 Members of the RFMF of differing rank are all regarded as employees of the State and not as employers\'94 (}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
Bainbridge and Another v The Postmaster-General}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758  [1906] 1 K.B. 178).
\par 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 Consideration of the application
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14700758 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
This application is made under }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 Or.18 Rule 18(1)(a)(b) & (d)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758  of }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 The High Court Rules 1988}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 .
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14700758 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14700758 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
In this case there is allegation of assault against soldiers who came under D1\rquote s command and some policemen under D2.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 Alt
hough no soldier or policeman has been named as having taken part in the}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
assault, the allegation is that they come under the control and supervision of D1 and D2 respectively.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
As to how the plaintiff proves his case is a matter of evidence at the trial of the action.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14700758 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
Upon considering the affidavit evidence before me and the submissions of counsel, I am of the view that the plaintiff has raised triable issues which merit adducing of evidence in the trial of the action to prove the case.
\par 
\par I am of the view that this action is }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 not an abuse of the process}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
 and in considering this application on this aspect I have borne in mind the following passage from }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 Halsbury\rquote s Laws of England 4th Ed. Vol. 37 para. 434}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758  on \lquote }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 abuse of process}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 \rquote 
 which I consider pertinent:
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14700758 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14700758 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 \'93
An abuse of the process of the court arises where its process is used, not in good faith and for proper purposes, but as a means of vexation or oppression or for ulterior purposes, or more simply, where the process is misused.}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
In such a case, even if the pleading or indorsement does not offend any of the other specified grounds for striking out, the facts may show that it constitutes an abuse of the process of the court, and on this ground the court may be justified in strikin
g out the whole pleading or indorsement or any offending part of it.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
Even where a party strictly complies with the literal terms of the rules of court, yet if he acts with an ulterior motive to the prejudice of the opposite party, he may be guilty of abuse
 of process, and where subsequent events render what was originally a maintainable action one which becomes inevitably doomed to failure, the action may be dismissed as an abuse of the process of the court.\'94
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14700758 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
\par Although the application is on the grounds stated hereabove, it is actually an alleged misjoinder of D1 as a party in that D1 should not have been joined, on the grounds stated in this application.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 On the facts and circumstances of this case I apply the following principles of law: \'93}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 it is not the pract
ice in the civil administration of our Courts to have a preliminary hearing, as it is in crime}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 \'94 (per }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 Sellers L.J. }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 in }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 Wenlock v Moloney}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758  [1965] 1 W.L.R. at p.1242).}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 As stated in the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 Notes }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 to }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 Or.18 r.19}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758  in }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 The Supreme Court Practice 1979 Vol 1}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 312 that: \lquote }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 it is only in plain and obvious cases that recourse should be had to the summary process under this Rule}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 \rquote 
 and that \lquote }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 it can only be adopted when it can be clearly seen that a claim or answer is on the fact of it obviously unsustainable}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 \rquote  (}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 A.G. of Duchy of}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758  Lanca}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 ster v L. & N.W. Ry. Co}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758  [1892] 3 Ch 274, C.A.).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 It cannot be said here that the action is one which cannot succeed or is in some way an abuse of the process.
\par 
\par Also, in the context of this case I find the following statement of }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 Megarry V.C.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 in }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 Gleeson v J. Wippell & Co.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 [1977] 1 W.L.R. 510 at 518 apt:
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14700758 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 \'93
First, there is the well-settled requirement that the jurisdiction to strike out an endorsement or pleading, whether under the rules or under the inherent jurisdiction, should be exercised with great caution, 
only in plain and obvious cases that are clear beyond doubt.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
Second, Zeiss No. 3 [1970] Ch. 506 established that, as had previously been assumed, the jurisdiction under the rules is discretionary; even if the matter is or may be res judicata, it may be bet
ter not to strike out the pleadings but to leave the matter to be resolved at the trial\'94.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14700758 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
\par The applicant says that there is no reasonable cause of action but on the evidence before me I hold there is; and in coming to this conclusion I have borne in mind the following }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 Notes}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758  to }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 Or.18 r.19/11}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758  of the }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 Supreme Court Practice (U.K.)}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 1979 Vol.1 }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 where it is stated:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14700758 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 \'93\'85\'85\'85
A reasonable cause of action means a cause with some chance of success when only the allegations in the pleadings are considered (per Lord Pearson in }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
Drummond Jackson v British Medical Association}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758  [1970] 1 All E.R. 1094, C.A.).}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758  }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 So long as the statement of claim or the particulars (}{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 Davey v Bentinck}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758  [1893] 1 Q.B. 185) disclose some cause of action, or raise some question fit to be decided by a Judge or
 a jury, the mere fact that the case is weak, and not likely to succeed is no ground for striking it out (Moore v Lawson) (1915) 31 T.L.R. 418, C.A.; }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 Wenlock v Moloney}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758  [1965] 1 W.L.R. 1238 [1965] 2 All E.R 871, C.A.)\'85..\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14700758 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
\par Similarly, }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 Lindley M.R.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758  in }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 Hubbuck
 & Sons, Ltd v Wilkinson, Heywood & Clark Limited}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758  [1899] 1 Q.B. 86 at page 91 said:
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s18\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14700758 \b\i\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 \'93\'85
summary procedure is only appropriate to cases which are plain and obvious, so that any master or judge can say at once that the statement of claim as it stands is insufficient, even if proved, to entitle the plaintiff to what he asks.}{
\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758  }{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 The use of the expression \'93reasonable cause of action\'94
 in rule 4 shews that the summary procedure there introduced is only intended to be had recourse to in plain and obvious cases\'94.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14700758 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
\par In }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 Attorney General v Shiu Prasad Halka}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9452975 [}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 1972}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9452975 ]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758  18 FLR 210 }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 Marsack J.A.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
said of the predecessor to order 18, r.18 of High Court Rules at page 215:
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s18\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14700758 \b\i\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 \'93\'85
. I think it is definitely established that the jurisdiction to strike out proceedings under Order 18 rule 19 should be very sparingly exercised where legal questions of importance and difficulty are raised\'94.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14700758 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
\par The Fiji Court of Appeal in its decision in }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 National MBf Finance (Fiji) Limited v Nemani Buli}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
, (Civil Appeal No. ABU0057 of 1998) very clearly enunciated and determined the principles for striking out.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
At page 2 of the judgment their Lordships said:-
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s18\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14700758 \b\i\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 \'93
The law with regard to striking out pleadings is not in dispute.}{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758  }{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 Apart from truly exceptional ca
ses the approach to such applications is to assume that the factual basis on which the allegations contained in the pleadings are raised will be proved.}{\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758  }{
\i0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 If a legal issue can be raised on the facts as pleaded then the courts will not strike out a pleading a
nd will certainly not to do so on a contention that the facts cannot be proved unless the situation is so strong that judicial notice can be taken of the falsity of a factual contention\'85\'94 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14700758 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 Conclusion
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14700758 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
For the above reasons on the facts and circumstances of this case, on the authorities and in the exercise of Court\rquote s discretion I refuse the first defendant\rquote s application.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14700758 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
\par The summons is therefore dismissed with costs in the cause.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14700758 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 D. Pathik
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 Judge}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14700758 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700758\charrsid14700758 
\par At Suva
\par 11 February 2004
\par }}