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THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI \par AT LAUTOKA}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7286109 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 CIVIL JURISDICTION \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15469891 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891\charrsid15469891 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15469891 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7286109\charrsid15469891 CIVIL ACTION NO. 34 OF 200}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7499442\charrsid15469891 3}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891\charrsid15469891 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15469891 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15469891 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9372215\charrsid15469891 NO. 1}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4705\charrsid15469891 7}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9372215\charrsid15469891 0}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7286109\charrsid15469891 OF 2006 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15469891 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7286109\charrsid15469891 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15469891 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7286109\charrsid15469891 BETWEEN}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891\charrsid15469891 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15469891 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15469891 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7286109\charrsid15469891 NEW ZEALAND PACIFIC TRAINING CENTRE}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7286109\charrsid15469891 \par Plaintiff \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15469891 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7286109\charrsid15469891 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15469891 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7286109\charrsid15469891 AND}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891\charrsid15469891 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15469891 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15469891 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7286109\charrsid15469891 FIJI ISLANDS REVENUE AND CUSTOMS AUTHORITY}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7286109\charrsid15469891 \par Defendant \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15469891 {\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7286109 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891\charrsid15469891 Appearances:}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891\charrsid15469891 Messrs Suresh Maharaj & Associates for the plaintiff \par The Legal Officer, FIRCA for the defendant \par }{\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7286109\charrsid15469891 Hearing:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891\charrsid15469891 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7286109\charrsid15469891 2 August 2006 \par Decision:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891\charrsid15469891 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7286109\charrsid15469891 29 August 2006 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7286109\charrsid15469891 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15469891 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7286109\charrsid15469891 JUDGMENT \par (Summons to strike out) \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15469891 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7286109\charrsid15469891 \par [1]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7286109\charrsid15469891 Before me is a }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7146697\charrsid15469891 summons to strike out the originating summons herein on the grounds that it does not disclose any reasonable cause of action.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7146697\charrsid15469891 The application was filed by the defendant on 19 July 2006.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4996617\charrsid15469891 \par \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 [2] }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9334939\charrsid15469891 This case has already been the subject of judgments both in this Court and the Fiji Court of Appeal.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7146697\charrsid15469891 The background facts are contained }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9334939\charrsid15469891 in pages 1 \endash 3 of}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7146697\charrsid15469891 the Fiji Court of Appeal judgment }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid863209\charrsid15469891 delivered on 1}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7146697\charrsid15469891 5 July 2005. \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7146697\charrsid15469891 The submissions}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7146697\charrsid15469891 \par \par [}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14161182\charrsid15469891 3}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 ] }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7146697\charrsid15469891 Learned counsel for the defendant, Mr. Solanki filed}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 comprehensive and helpful submissions.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 He strongly submitted that the plaintiffs originating summons for }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 "}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 a declaration that the defendant is bound by and estoppe}{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9332341\charrsid15469891 d}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 from acting contrary to the advice, assurance and representations made by and given by the Fiji Labour Government in 1999 that no VAT is payable by educational institutions in Fiji}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 does not disclose a reasonable cause of action and it also does not }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10320974\charrsid15469891 raise}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 any legal issues}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8332731\charrsid15469891 to be determined}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 .}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 He submitted that this was a plain and obvious case for the exercise of discretion }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4218782\charrsid15469891 in the defendant\rquote s favour }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 under O. 18 r. 18}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4218782\charrsid15469891 HCR}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7036797\charrsid15469891 He argued in essence that the representation relied on by the plaintiff could not create an estoppel preventing the defendant from enforcing the VAT Decree 1991 which it is obligated by law to enforce.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4218782\charrsid15469891 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13465426\charrsid15469891 [4}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 ] }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 Mr. Maharaj }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13465426\charrsid15469891 argued}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 that prayer (i) of the plaintiffs originating summons raises a complicated legal issue about }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13465426\charrsid15469891 the }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 imposition of tax.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 He argued that there was a }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13465426\charrsid15469891 serious}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 issue about whether the representation relied on by the plaintiff gave rise to an estoppel. \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 Principles of law in striking out}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 \par \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6295075\charrsid15469891 [5}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 ] }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 A useful and succinct analysis of}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 the principles I am required to consider are contained in the Extempore judgment of Connors J in }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 Krishna & Another \endash v- Automart Limited & Others}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 (Civil Action No. HBC0388 of 2000L) at page 2 where he said: \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15469891 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 \par }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 The provisions of Order 1 8 Rule 18 have been considered by the court on numerous occasions and the authorities which those considerations consistently rely on have not changed in recent times.}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 It is perhaps convenient to look at the decision of Mr. Justice Byrne in Action No. 001 8 of 1986, His Lordship there referred to the relevant authorities on page 4 of his judgment where he said and I quote:- \par \par }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 "}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 The law governing an application such as this is well settled.}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 Lindley MR in}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 Hubbuck v Wilkinson [1889] 1 Q.B. 86 page 91 }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 said that it is only in plain and obvious cases that recourse should be had to the summary process under Order 18 Rule 18(1) of the Rules of the High Court.}{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 This was affirmed in}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 Kemsley v Foot & Ors [1952] A.C. 345.}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 In }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 Attorney General of Duchy of Lancaster v L.N. W. Ry Co. [1892] 3 Ch 274 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 said that Rule 18 can only be invoked when the claim is on the face of it }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 "}{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 obviously unsustainable.}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 "}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 \par }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 \par }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 And again, the caution that should be exercised when considering applications of this type was highlighted by Mr. Justice Pathik in }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 Hemant Kumar v Suresh Kumar & Ors [2003] Civil Action No. 33 of 2003 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 where His Lordship in applying }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 Attorney General v Shiu Prasad Halka [1972] 18 FLR 210 at 215 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 said and I quote:- \par \par }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 "}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 I think it is definitely established that the jurisdiction to strike out proceedings under Order 18 Rule 18 should be very sparingly exercised, and only in exceptional cases.}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 It should not be exercised where legal questions of importance and difficulty are raised.}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 "}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15469891 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 [6] }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 The Fiji Court of Appeal in }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 National NBF Finance (Fij i) Limited \endash v- Nemani Buli}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 Civil Appeal No. ABU0057 OF 1998 expressed the principles as follows: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15469891 {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 "}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 The law with regard to striking out pleadings is not in dispute.}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 Apart from truly exceptional cases the approach to such applications is to assume that the factual basis on which the allegations contained in the pleadings are raised will be provided.}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 If a legal issue can be raised on the facts as pleaded then the Court will not strike out a pleading and will certainly not 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.}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 "}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15469891 {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6295075\charrsid15469891 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 [7] }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6295075\charrsid15469891 The notes of the }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6295075\charrsid15469891 Supreme Court Practice 1995}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6295075\charrsid15469891 at 18/19/11, quotes a sta}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11697838\charrsid15469891 te}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6295075\charrsid15469891 ment of principle }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7349863\charrsid15469891 reinforcing the doctrine }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6295075\charrsid15469891 that the discretion be sparingly exercised and only in exceptional cases: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15469891 {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 "}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6295075\charrsid15469891 So long as the statement of claim or the particulars (}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6295075\charrsid15469891 Davey \endash v- Bentinck}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6295075\charrsid15469891 [1893] 1 Q. B. 185) disclose some cause of action, or raise some question fit to be }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11697838\charrsid15469891 d}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7349863\charrsid15469891 ec}{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11697838\charrsid15469891 ided}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6295075\charrsid15469891 by a Judge or a jury, }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6295075\charrsid15469891 the}{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6295075\charrsid15469891 }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6295075\charrsid15469891 mere fact that the case is weak, and not likely to succeed, is no}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4937397\charrsid15469891 }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6295075\charrsid15469891 ground for striking it out}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6295075\charrsid15469891 (Moore \endash v- Lawson (1915) 31 T.C.R 418, C.A; }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6295075\charrsid15469891 Wenlock \endash v- Moloney }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6295075\charrsid15469891 [1965] 1 W.L.R. 1238; [1965] 2 AllER 871, CA).}{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 " }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6295075\charrsid15469891 (emphasis added) \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15469891 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2578135\charrsid15469891 [}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12061721\charrsid15469891 8}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 ]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 } {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 It is with these principles in mind that I go on to consider the }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6295075\charrsid15469891 defendant}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 \rquote s application.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16547821\charrsid15469891 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11282519\charrsid15469891 Consideration of application}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11282519\charrsid15469891 \par \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12061721\charrsid15469891 [9}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11282519\charrsid15469891 ]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16531950\charrsid15469891 It is not without reservation that I have upheld the plaintiff\rquote s submission.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16531950\charrsid15469891 A legal issue is }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4937397\charrsid15469891 raise}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16531950\charrsid15469891 d, that is, whether the representation relied on created an estoppel.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16531950\charrsid15469891 In my view the }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11697838\charrsid15469891 plaintiff\rquote s}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16531950\charrsid15469891 case is weak and not likely to succeed but this is not a ground for striking it out.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16531950\charrsid15469891 I am mindful that Mr. Maharaj has not addressed me at all }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4937397\charrsid15469891 on the law }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16531950\charrsid15469891 on whether an estoppel can be created in law in the circumstances relied on.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16531950\charrsid15469891 Mr. Solanki\rquote s submissions in this regard remain unanswered.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16531950\charrsid15469891 But I have not been asked to determine that issue as a preliminary }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4937397\charrsid15469891 question}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16531950\charrsid15469891 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16531950\charrsid15469891 Mr.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11282519\charrsid15469891 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16531950\charrsid15469891 Maharaj did not submit on the law regarding the issue at all.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11282519\charrsid15469891 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16531950\charrsid15469891 \par [10]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16531950\charrsid15469891 Were it not for the f act that the case is listed for hearing in a fortnight, I would have called for further submissions from Mr. Maharaj.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16531950\charrsid15469891 He maintains that his client is entitled to be heard on the substantive hearing dates already fixed.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16531950\charrsid15469891 I agree.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16531950\charrsid15469891 The defendant waited a year after the Court of Appeal judgment to bring the present application.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16531950\charrsid15469891 The matters raised in this interlocutory hearing and the submissions made about them will be relevant in the hearing of the substantive matter.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16531950\charrsid15469891 No doubt Mr. Maharaj will address me on legal principle and precedent }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14428980\charrsid15469891 in regard to}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16531950\charrsid15469891 the contentions pleaded by the plaintiff. \par \par [11]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16531950\charrsid15469891 It may be that the parties consider that this is a proper case for the issue to be tried as a preliminary question.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16531950\charrsid15469891 It does not appear that the defendant seriously contests }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6239700\charrsid15469891 that }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16531950\charrsid15469891 the representation }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6239700\charrsid15469891 was }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16531950\charrsid15469891 made.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16531950\charrsid15469891 It may save much time and expense to both parties if this course of action were pursued. \par \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 [12] }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16531950\charrsid15469891 I refuse the defendant\rquote s application and order costs in the cause}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7432543\charrsid15469891 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7432543\charrsid15469891 The case will be called for m}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16531950\charrsid15469891 ention on 1 September at 9.00 am.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7432543\charrsid15469891 The parties are to inform me whether the issue be tried as a preliminary question under 0.33 r. 3 HCR.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16531950\charrsid15469891 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10249550\charrsid15469891 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15469891 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10249550\charrsid15469891 Gwen Phillips \par JUDGE \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15469891 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15469891 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10249550\charrsid15469891 At Lautoka \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8003929\charrsid15469891 29}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10249550\charrsid15469891 August 2006}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16531950\charrsid15469891 \par }}