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(HC)}{\fs16\insrsid8421204\charrsid933470 \tab }{\field{\*\fldinst {\cs16\fs16\insrsid8421204\charrsid12604364 PAGE }}{\fldrslt {\cs16\fs16\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid9240626 5}}}{\cs16\fs16\insrsid8421204\charrsid933470 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid8421204 \par }}{\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}} {\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8 \pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9240626 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 {\*\bkmkstart Suresh_Singh_v_Sun_Insurance}SURESH KUMAR SINGH v SUN INSURANCE CO. LTD. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9240626 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 {\*\bkmkend Suresh_Singh_v_Sun_Insurance} \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 High Court Civil Jurisdiction \par }\trowd \irow0\irowband0\lastrow \ts17\trgaph108\trleft-108\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tblrsid9240626\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol \clvertalt \clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth3528\clshdrawnil \cellx3420\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth5328\clshdrawnil \cellx8748\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid14620668 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626\charrsid9240626 8 March, 14 June, 24 July, 2001 \cell }\pard \ql \li3600\ri0\nowidctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin3600\pararsid9240626 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626\charrsid9240626 HBC 382/00\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626\charrsid9240626 \trowd \irow0\irowband0\lastrow \ts17\trgaph108\trleft-108\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tblrsid9240626\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth3528\clshdrawnil \cellx3420\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth5328\clshdrawnil \cellx8748\row }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9240626 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 Insurance \endash whether fire and extraneous perils insurance policy covered Plaintiff}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 '}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 s premises burnt down on 19 May, 2000 \endash insurance policy exemption discussed - whether property damaged by fire was }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 '}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 occasioned by}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 '}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 or }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 '}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 happened through}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 '}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 not merely riot or civil commotion but rebellion, revolution, insurrection or usurped power}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 - whether looting was part of Speight}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 '}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 s attempted coup} {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 \endash burden of proof on Defendant to establish that damage resulted not merely from riot or civil commotion \endash Insurance Law Reform Act 9/96 s29(e)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 Interpretation \endash meaning of }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 civil war, rebellion, revolution or insurrection}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 \par \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 The Plaintiff owned premises known as the Union Plaza, which was destroyed by fire on 19 May, 2000. The premises were insured for Fire and Extraneous Perils with the Defendant.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 The Plaintiff claimed the damage was caused by acts of persons taking part in a riot or civil commotion and that he was entitled to be indemnified. He sought a declaration. The Defendant relied on civil war, rebellion, revolution, insurrection or usurped power for not indemnifying the Plaintiff. Whether the Plaintiff was entitled to be indemnified depended on the burden of proof of whether the looting was }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 part of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 Speight}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 s attempted coup, and the meaning of the words }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 riot and civil commotion".}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 In interpreting the words the words the Court ascribed their ordinary and natural meaning, as required by the Insurance Law Reform Act.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 The Court found the insurance policy poorly drafted.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 It found that there was no evidence before it to show that the looting was planed or orchestrated by Speight or his lieutenants. The objective of the looting was to steal as much as possible in a free for all, n ot because they were sympathisers of Speight or inspired by revolutionary ideals. \par \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 Held - }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 there was no evidence that looting was part of attempted coup or was orchestrated by Speight or his lieutenants, or motivated by revolutionary ideals, as the looting was not directed at government agencies but at private businesses. The Plaintiff}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 s premises were destroyed by rioting and civil commotion, by looters stealing as much as possible as quickly as possible. The Plaintiff is entitled to be indemnified by the Defendant. \par }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 Yatulau Co. Ltd v Sun Insurance Co Ltd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 (2001) HBC 380/00S appl. \par \par Declaration granted that Plaintiff is entitled to indemnity from the Defendant. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 Other cases referred to in Judgment \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 appl }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 Munroe Brice & Company v War Risks Association}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 [1918] 1 KB 78 \par foll}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 London Fire Insurance Co. v Bolands Ltd}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 [1924] A.C. 836, 845 \par \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 Gynaeshwar P. Lala for the Plaintiff \par Anil Tikaram for the Defendant \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 \par }\trowd \irow0\irowband0\lastrow \ts17\trgaph108\trleft-108\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tblrsid9240626\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol \clvertalt \clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1728\clshdrawnil \cellx1620\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth7128\clshdrawnil \cellx8748\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid3034359 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626\charrsid9240626 24 July, 2001 \cell }\pard \ql \li2052\ri0\nowidctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2052\pararsid9240626 {\b\caps\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626\charrsid9240626 judgment\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\b\caps\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626\charrsid9240626 \trowd \irow0\irowband0\lastrow \ts17\trgaph108\trleft-108\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tblrsid9240626\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1728\clshdrawnil \cellx1620\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth7128\clshdrawnil \cellx8748\row }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9240626 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 Scott, J}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626\charrsid9240626 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 The Plaintiff is the owner of premises in Central Suva known as Union Plaza.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 These premises were severely damaged by fire on 19 May 2000. \par \par The Plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 s premises was covered by a Fire and Extraneous Perils Insurance Policy issued by the Defendant.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 A copy of the Policy and Schedule is Exhibit A to the supporting affidavit.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 } {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 Although the exhibited document is marked "specimen" it was agreed by Counsel that the terms set out in this document were identical to the terms of the policy issued to the Plaintiff. \par \par Judged by the standards of clarity and comprehensibility the policy and schedule, like many others of their kind issued in Fiji are very poor documents indeed however I find their relevant effects in this case to be as follows. \par \par Provision 1 of the policy is an agreement by the insurer to indemnify the insured against damage to his premises caused by fire }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 except}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 where the fire "was occasioned by or happened through" riot, civil commotion, rebellion, revolution, insurrection or usurped power. \par \par Following the 3 Provisions there are 12 Conditions.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 Following the Conditions there is a heading: "Extraneous Perils" which precedes the following proviso:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626\charrsid9240626 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9240626 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 "Provided always that the Provisions and Conditions of the }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 Pol}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 icy shall apply as if they have been i ncorporated herein and for the purpose hereof any destruction or damage as aforesaid shall be deemed destruction or damage by fire." \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9240626 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 \par The 5th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 Extraneous Peril is headed "Riots, Strikes, Malicious Damage" followed by the words:}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626\charrsid9240626 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9240626 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 "Directly caused by the Acts of:}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626\charrsid9240626 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 5.1\tab Persons taking part in riots or civil commotions ... or malicious person (sic) acting on behalf or in connection with any political organisation \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9240626 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 \par The schedule to the policy contains a number of conditions.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 These read:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626\charrsid9240626 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9240626 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 "the Policy is subject to the following warranties, endorsements, clauses and additional perils as printed on the policy or added thereto.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 Including the risk of earthquake, explosion, aircraft, impact, riots, strikes, civil commotion, malicious damage and cyclone on item No. 1". \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9240626 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 \par The Plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 s case is that the damage to Union Plaza was caused by the acts of persons taking part in a riot or civil commotion and that therefore he is entitled to be indemnified.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 He seeks the Court}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 s declaration to that effect. \par \par On 2 February 2001 Counsel for the Defendant filed a written submission entitled "Reply on behalf of the Defendant".}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 Paragraph 13 of this document reads:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626\charrsid9240626 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9240626 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 "it is not in issue that the insured property was damaged by fire.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 The issue is whether the fire was occasioned by or happened through riot or civil commotion in which event Plaintiff is entitled to be indemnified or whether the fire was caused by civil war, rebellion, revolution, insurrection or usurped power in which event Plaintiff is not entitled to be indemnified." \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9240626 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 \par In paragraph 21 of a second document also filed on behalf of the Defendants on 2 February Counsel stated:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626\charrsid9240626 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9240626 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 "It is clear that when considering the terms, riot, civil commotion, insurrection and rebellion that one is dealing with ascending stages of civil conflict which in the latter stages also acquire a political element as part of the final breakdown of or as sault on the existing order." \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9240626 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 I agree.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 What this means is that if the damage to the Plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 s premises was the result not merely of a riot or civil commotion but was the result of civil war, rebellion, revolution or insurrection then the Plaintiff must fail. \par \par Two questions arise.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 The first is the burden of proof and the second is the meaning of the words under consideration. \par \par As to burden I accept that the correct approach is that set out in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 {\*\bkmkstart Brice_v_War_Risks_Suresh_Singh_v_Sun_Ins}{\*\bkmkstart Munroe_Brice_v_War_Risks_Suresh_v_Sun}Munroe }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 Brice & {\*\bkmkend Brice_v_War_Risks_Suresh_Singh_v_Sun_Ins}Company v War Risks Association }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 [1918] 1 KB 78.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 {\*\bkmkend Munroe_Brice_v_War_Risks_Suresh_v_Sun}Since it is not disputed that the Plaintiff is prima facie within the terms of the promise embodied in the first provision of the policy as extended by paragraph 5.1 of the extraneous perils provision I am of the view that the Defendant has the burden of establishing that the damage to the Plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 s premises resulted not merely from riots or civil commotion but from war, rebellion, revolution or insurrection. \par \par As to the meaning of the words in question and particularly "riot and civil commotion" these words should, I am satisfied be given their ordinary and natural meaning.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 This not only accords with precedent (see }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 {\*\bkmkstart London_v_Bolands_Suresh_Singh_v_Sun_Ins} London and Lancashire Fire {\*\bkmkend London_v_Bolands_Suresh_Singh_v_Sun_Ins}Insurance Co. v Bolands Ltd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 [19241 AC 836, 845) but is also, more importantly th e approach now laid down by statute.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 {\*\bkmkstart s29_e_Ins_Law_Reform_S_Singh_v_Sun_Ins}Section 29(e) {\*\bkmkend s29_e_Ins_Law_Reform_S_Singh_v_Sun_Ins}of the Insurance Law Reform Act 9/1996 requires that:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626\charrsid9240626 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9240626 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 "Words shall be construed in their plain, ordinary, popular, commonsense a nd natural meaning except that terms of art or technical words shall be understood in their strict technical and proper sense unless the context controls or alters the meaning." \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9240626 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 What then is the evidence that the looting and destruction of shops in Suva including the Plaintiff s on May 19 2000 was caused not merely by rioting or civil disorder but was caused by rebellion, revolution or insurrection? \par \par The Defendants rely on two affidavits filed by Ahmad Zabidi, the Defendants General Manager.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 In paragraph 5 of his first affidavit filed on 16 October 2000 Mr. Zabidi referred to the march through Suva on 19 May by Fijian Nationalists.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 The march had been planned to end at Albert Park but instead made its way to the gates of Government House to present a petition to the President.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 While the petition was being presented it became known that George Speight and his gang had just taken over Parliament. \par \par According to paragraph 5(d):}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9240626 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626\charrsid9240626 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 "As the news of the armed takeover reached the marchers at the gates of Government House a number of marchers ran toward Parliament House and on the way they started to throw stones and break shops along Ratu Sukuna Road.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 The breaking of shops along Ratu Sukuna Road in Nasese happened around 11.15 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.". \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9240626 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 He goes on to state in paragraph 5(e) that:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626\charrsid9240626 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9240626 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 "News of the armed takeover spread like wildfire and shops and businesses in Suva City became a free for all; wide spread looting took place and the Plaintiffs building was destroyed in a fire." \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9240626 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 In his second affidavit filed on 5 February 2001 Mr. Sabidi states in paragraphs 5 and 6 that:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626\charrsid9240626 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9240626 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 "The events which commenced with a march on the morning of 19 May 2000 was, as appeared from the declared inten tions of the parties which I personally heard, aimed at the overthrow of the existing order and the installation of a new government and a new Constitution. \par \par The fire which damaged the insured premises formed part of the events described above." \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9240626 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 So the central question of fact to be answered is whether the looting which took place in Suva was "part of" Speight}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 s attempted coup, whether in the words of paragraph 18 of Counsel}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 s written reply the attempted the coup and the looting were "inextricably intertwined". \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 In my view the Defendants have failed to place any evidence before me that the looting which damaged the Plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 s premises was "part of" an attempted coup.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 In particular, there is nothing to show that the looting was planned or orchestrated by Speight or any of his lieutenants.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 While doubtless some of the looters may have sympathised with Speight the looting was directed not at the organs of the State such as government offices or agencies but was directed at private businesses.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 The main object of the looting as was obvious from the television footage was to steal as much "as possible as quickly as possible whether what was stolen was gold watches or frozen chickens. Some}{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 of the businesses looted were Indian owned but some were not. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 I agree with Mr. Sabidi when he describes what happened as a "free for all".}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 While this free for all might have been prompted by Speight}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 s takeover I do not find that it was part of it or that it was motivated by revolutionary ideals. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 In another very recent case }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 {\*\bkmkstart Yatulau_v_Sun_Ins_Suresh_Singh_v_Sun_Ins}Yatulau Co. Ltd v Sun Insurance Co Ltd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 {\*\bkmkend Yatulau_v_Sun_Ins_Suresh_Singh_v_Sun_Ins}(HBC 380/2000-2 July 00) Mr. Justice Byrne on almost identical facts had no hesitation in finding that the insured}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 s premises were destroyed on 19 May as a result of rioting and civil commotion.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 In this case I have no hesitation in arriving at the same conclusion. \par \par I grant the declaration sought.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9240626\charrsid9240626 \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 Declaration granted. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15808525\charrsid9240626 Marie Chan}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1972231\charrsid9240626 \par }}