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\rsid17950\rsid412910\rsid673125\rsid2039777\rsid3961774\rsid4287214 \rsid5910353\rsid6972832\rsid8081948\rsid9516014\rsid10314237\rsid11277549\rsid12389761\rsid12585829\rsid12662440\rsid12915388\rsid13202976\rsid13386303\rsid13847490\rsid14954268\rsid16515445\rsid16612019}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.4219;}{\info {\title [1967] 13 FLR 5}{\author oli_r}{\operator blake_r}{\creatim\yr2003\mo7\dy31\hr12\min46}{\revtim\yr2003\mo7\dy31\hr12\min46}{\version3}{\edmins0}{\nofpages4}{\nofwords1258}{\nofchars7173}{\*\company USP}{\nofcharsws8415}{\vern16469}} \margl1440\margr1440 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\formshade\horzdoc\dghspace0\dgvspace0\dghorigin0\dgvorigin0\dghshow0\dgvshow0 \jexpand\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot16515445 \donotshowmarkup1\fet0\sectd \linex0\headery360\footery360\endnhere\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\*\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 \qr \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 \fs20\cf1\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 { \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10314237\charrsid13386303 [1967] 13 FLR 5}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16612019\charrsid13386303 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13386303 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10314237\charrsid13386303 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039777\charrsid13386303 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF FIJI \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039777\charrsid13386303 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039777\charrsid13386303 SURUJ KUAR \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039777\charrsid13386303 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039777\charrsid13386303 v. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039777\charrsid13386303 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039777\charrsid13386303 OFFICIAL RECEIVER \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039777\charrsid13386303 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039777\charrsid13386303 [SUPREME COURT, 1967 (Hammett J. ), 2}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid2039777\charrsid13386303 nd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039777\charrsid13386303 February] \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039777\charrsid13386303 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039777\charrsid13386303 Civil Jurisdiction \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039777\charrsid13386303 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4287214\charrsid13386303 Probate and administration \endash Letters of Administration \endash intestate survived by father and mother but no widow or descendants \endash father entitled to entire estate and to grant of administration \endash father\rquote s bankruptcy no impediment \endash Supreme Court Ordinance (Cap. 4) ss. 32, 35 (1), 37 \endash Ru}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13386303\charrsid13386303 les of the Supreme Court 1883, O}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4287214\charrsid13386303 .25 r.4 \endash Statute of Distributions 1670 (22 & 23 Car. }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10314237\charrsid13386303 2, c.10) (I}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4287214\charrsid13386303 mperial).}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2039777\charrsid13386303 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13386303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16612019\charrsid13386303 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4287214\charrsid13386303 Bankruptcy \endash Letters of Administration \endash person otherwise entitled to grant not precluded by fact that he is an undischarged bankrupt. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4287214\charrsid13386303 \par The deceased died intestate and bachelor on the 16}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid4287214\charrsid13386303 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4287214\charrsid13386303 October, 1965; he had been reside nt and domiciled in Fiji. He was survived by his mother Suruj}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10314237\charrsid13386303 Kuar}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4287214\charrsid13386303 , who commenced an action for a grant of Letters of Administration, and by his father Gangaram. The latter being at the time of the proceedings an undischarged bankrupt, the Official Receive r was named as defendant. On a summons by the defendant to strike out the Statement of Claim as showing no cause of action: \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12585829\charrsid13386303 \par }\pard \ql \fi-709\li709\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin709\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 Held:}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16612019\charrsid13386303 \tab }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 1. By virtue of sectio}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13386303\charrsid13386303 n 32 and 35}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12585829\charrsid13386303 (1) of the Supreme Court Ordinance the law}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 to be applied was the law in force in England on the 2nd January, 1875. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12585829\charrsid13386303 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 2. The deceased's father Gangaram was beneficially entitled to the entire estate of the deceased and to a grant of Letters of Administration. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13386303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12585829\charrsid13386303 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 3. Bankruptcy alone is no reason for refusing to issue Letters of Administration to a person otherwise entitled or to his trustee. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13386303 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 4. The plaintiff had no claim to a grant and the Statement of Claim would be struck out. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12585829\charrsid13386303 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12585829\charrsid13386303 Cases referred to: \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12585829\charrsid13386303 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 Blackborough v. Davis}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 (1701) 24 E.R. 285;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11277549\charrsid13386303 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 1 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11277549\charrsid13386303 P.WMS.41: \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 Jackson v. Proudehome}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 (1716) 22 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12585829\charrsid13386303 E.R. 374;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11277549\charrsid13386303 11 Vin. Abr.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12585829\charrsid13386303 196}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11277549\charrsid13386303 Pl. l: \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 Elwes v. E}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11277549\charrsid13386303 l}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 wes}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11277549\charrsid13386303 (1728}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 ) 161 E.R. 444}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11277549\charrsid13386303 ; 2 Lee. 573: \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11277549\charrsid13386303 Wilson v Wilson}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10314237\charrsid13386303 [1911] 1 K. B. 327; 104 L.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11277549\charrsid13386303 T. 96.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16612019\charrsid13386303 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11277549\charrsid13386303 Summons in Chambers to strike out the Statement of Claim in an action for a grant of Letters of Administration. \par \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11277549\charrsid13386303 Reported by direction. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11277549\charrsid13386303 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13386303 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11277549\charrsid13386303 F. M. K. Sherani}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11277549\charrsid13386303 for the plaintiffs. \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11277549\charrsid13386303 K. C. Ramrakha}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11277549\charrsid13386303 for the defendant.}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11277549\charrsid13386303 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11277549\charrsid13386303 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11277549\charrsid13386303 HAMMETT J.:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11277549\charrsid13386303 [2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid11277549\charrsid13386303 nd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11277549\charrsid13386303 February, 1967]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10314237\charrsid13386303 -}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11277549\charrsid13386303 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11277549\charrsid13386303 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 This is a summons by the Defendant under the provisions of Order 25 Rule 4 of the Rules of the Supreme Court to strike out the Statement of Claim on the ground that it does not di}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid673125\charrsid13386303 sclose any reasonable cause of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 action. Other reliefs are claimed in the alternative. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13202976\charrsid13386303 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 The Plaintiff is the mother of Rajendra Kumar a bachelor who died intestate on 16th October, 1965. At the time of his death the deceased was po ssessed of personal property stated to be some \'a32,758/7/9 in value. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13202976\charrsid13386303 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 The deceased's father, Gangaram, who is the husband of Suruj Kuar is still alive but he is an undischarged Bankrupt. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13202976\charrsid13386303 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 The Plaintiff's claim is that the Court pronounces that she is the on ly person entitled to the estate of the deceased and that she is entitled to a grant of Letters of Administration of the estate of the deceased and in the alternative that the estate be administered by her for the benefit of herself and her infant childre n. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13202976\charrsid13386303 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 The Defendant is the Official Receiver, who is presumably sued as the Trustee of the Estate in Bankruptcy of Gangaram although this is not }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid673125\charrsid13386303 in fact stated in the writ. It }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 is his contention that Gangaram, the father ,of the deceased, is the only person en titled both to a grant of Letters of Administration and to the entire estate of the deceased and for this reason the Plaintiff's Statement of Claim discloses no cause of action. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13202976\charrsid13386303 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 The simple issue in this case upon which no authorities have been cited}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16612019\charrsid13386303 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 by ei ther side, is whether the father or the mother of a deceased bachelor who dies intestate in Fiji is entitled to his personal estate. I would add that it has been accepted that at the time of his death the deceased was both resident and domiciled in Fiji. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13202976\charrsid13386303 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 The jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in Probate cases is set out in Section 32 of the Supreme Court Or}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13202976\charrsid13386303 dinance which reads as follows:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16612019\charrsid13386303 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16612019\charrsid13386303 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16612019\charrsid13386303 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 32. The jurisdiction hereby conferred upon the Court in Probate, divorce, and matrimonial causes and proceedings may, subject to the provisions of this or any other Ordinance and to rules of court, be exercised by the Court in conformity with the law and practice for the time being in force in England.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16612019\charrsid13386303 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13202976\charrsid13386303 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13386303 The material part of Section 35}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 (1) of the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13202976\charrsid13386303 Supreme Court Ordinance reads:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16612019\charrsid13386303 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16612019\charrsid13386303 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16612019\charrsid13386303 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 35 (1) The Common Law, the Rules of Equity and the Statutes of general application which were in force in England at the date when the Colony obtained a local Legislature, that is to say, on the second day of January, 1875, shall be in force within the Colony subject to the provisions of section 37 of this Ordinance.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13386303 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13202976\charrsid13386303 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 The provisions }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid673125\charrsid13386303 o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 f Section 37 do not affect the issue in this case in any material way.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13202976\charrsid13386303 \par \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 The law to be applied in this case is therefore, the law in force in England on 2nd January, 1875. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13202976\charrsid13386303 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 In }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 Halsbury's Laws of England}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 1st Edition, published in 1910, Vol. 11 at page 16,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13202976\charrsid13386303 paragraph 32 reads as follows:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16612019\charrsid13386303 -}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16612019\charrsid13386303 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid16612019\charrsid13386303 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 32. After an executor or administrator has paid the debts and funeral and testamentary expenses of the deceased and all other lawful liabilities and charges, it is his duty to distribute the cl}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13386303 ear surplus of the undisposed}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid673125\charrsid13386303 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 of personal estate among the next of kin, who are ascertained in accordance with the following rules:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16612019\charrsid13386303 -"}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13202976\charrsid13386303 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 The authority cited for this statement is the Statute of Distribution (22 and 23 Car. 2, c.10.) \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13847490\charrsid13386303 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 At page 22, Rul}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13847490\charrsid13386303 e No. 5 of these rules reads:}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16612019\charrsid13386303 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13847490\charrsid13386303 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16612019\charrsid13386303 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13847490\charrsid13386303 If there are }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid673125\charrsid13386303 no}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13847490\charrsid13386303 descendants,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid673125\charrsid13386303 then, subject to the rights of the widow, if any, the father takes the whole }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6972832\charrsid13386303 of the estate.\'94 (See }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6972832\charrsid13386303 Blackborough v. Davis}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6972832\charrsid13386303 (1701) which is reported in Vol. 24 of the English Reports at page 285).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13847490\charrsid13386303 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 This case concerned the competing claims of a grandmother and an aunt to an intestate's personal}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13847490\charrsid13386303 estate. In }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 the course of the heari}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid412910\charrsid13386303 ng Holt C.J. said at page 288: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16612019\charrsid13386303 -}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16612019\charrsid13386303 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 If a child had died intestate without wife, child, or father, leaving ,only the mother, the mother had the whole till 1 Jac. 2 (}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 Keylway v. Keylway,}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 Vol. II. 346), exclusive of the brothers and sisters; and this must be the same law now, as to the grandmother with relation to the aunts; the father surviving has the child's whole estate at this day.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13386303 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid412910\charrsid13386303 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 Again Rule No. 6 is set out in Halsbury at page 22 and the opening words read: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16612019\charrsid13386303 -}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16612019\charrsid13386303 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 If there are neither descendants, nor father, nor brothers, nor sisters, nor children of brothers or sisters of the intestate, then, subject to the rights of the widow, if any, the mother}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid412910\charrsid13386303 takes the whole of the estate; }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 ........}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16612019\charrsid13386303 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid412910\charrsid13386303 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 See }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 Jackson v. Prudehome}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 (1716) 22 E.R. 374. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid412910\charrsid13386303 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 It is clear, therefore, that the father is entitled to take t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6972832\charrsid13386303 he entire estate}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 of his intestate bachelor son to the total exclusion of the surviving mother. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16612019\charrsid13386303 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 In deciding who is entitled to a grant of Letters of Administration, preference is given, inter alia, to the one who has the support of the greatest interest }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16612019\charrsid13386303 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 see }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 Elwes v. Elwes}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 (1728) 161 E.R. 444. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid412910\charrsid13386303 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 In these circumstances the deceased's father who is beneficially entitled to the entire estate is also entitled to a grant of Letters of Administration and no question appears to arise of the Court exercising any discretion in favour of the mother. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid412910\charrsid13386303 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 On e further point that was raised by Counsel for the Plaintiff concerned the Bankruptcy of the deceased's father Gangaram. It was suggested that since Gangaram was an undischarged bankrupt he was not entitled to a grant of Letters of Administration of}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6972832\charrsid13386303 his deceased son's estate. In}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 the alternative it was submitted that in such circumstances the Court had a discretion in the matter which should be exercised in favour of the Plaintiff. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid412910\charrsid13386303 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16612019 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 In my view there are no merits in these submissions. Since the Plaintiff is not in law entitled to any beneficial interest in the estate she is not entitled to a grant of Letters of Administra}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6972832\charrsid13386303 tion. Again, whilst I can find}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 no statutory authority on the point, it is clear that bankruptcy alone is no reason for refusing to issue a g rant of Letters of Administration to a person otherwise entitled, or to his Trustee as was done in the case of }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 Wilson v. Wilson}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 [1911] 1 K.B. 327. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid412910\charrsid13386303 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 For these reasons I am of the opinion that in this case the mother's claim both to a grant of Letters of Adm inistration and to a beneficial interest in the estate has no foundation in law. The Statement of Claim does not therefore disclose any cause of action on her part and must therefore be struck out. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid412910\charrsid13386303 \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16515445\charrsid13386303 Order striking out Statement of Claims. \par }}