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whether any prejudice caused to other parties by late amendment - High Court Rules O.20 r.5(1) \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 The First Defendant sought to amend its defence for the third time at a stage during the trial where it was presenting its case and had completed lengthy evidence from two defence witnesses.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 The need for amendment arose out of unpleaded issues that were raised by a defence witness under cross-examination by the Plaintiff and Second Defendant.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 The First Defendant based its application on the need to clear up an ambiguity i.e. that the builder in question was employed as an independent contractor.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 The Court considered whether there was injustice and/or prejudice caused to the other parti es and took into account of the fact that the amendment sought was in respect of issues raised in evidence during cross-examination.}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 Held}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \endash (1) There has been no mala fides here, but rather a genuine mistake on the part of the First Defendants.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049\charrsid5194049 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (2)\tab}}\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194049 { \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 No prejudice will occur to the litigants in meeting the First Defendants claim in their respective cases.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194049 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049\charrsid5194049 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (3)\tab}}\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194049 { \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 The following orders are made:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194049 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 a.\tab}}\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\ilvl1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194049 { \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 Leave is given to the First Defendants to file an amended statement of defence; \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 b.\tab}Leave is given to the Plaintiff and to the Second Defendant to have any relevant witness recalled for further cross-examination on the issue now unambiguously pleaded. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 c.\tab}Leave is also given to the Plaintiff to re-open its case to call or recall witnesses on the same issue. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 d.\tab}The Plaintiff and Second Defendant are to have their costs occasioned by this amendment, borne by the First Defendants. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194049 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194049 \fs24\lang3081\langfe3081\cgrid\langnp3081\langfenp3081 {\b\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 Cases referred to in J udgment }{\b\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid14901019 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid5194049\charrsid5194049 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194049 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 Ketteman v Hansel Properties Ltd}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 [1987] AC 189}{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 Cropper v Smith}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 (1884) 26 Ch. D 700 \par }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 Shoe Machinery Co. v Cutlan}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 [1986] 1 Ch. 108}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 The Duke of Buccleuch}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 [1892] P 201 \par }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 GL Baker Ltd v Medway Building & Supplies Ltd.}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 [1958] 1 WLR 1216 \par }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 Loutfi v C Czarnikow Ltd}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 (1952) 2 All ER 823 \par }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 FEA v Balram}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 (1972) 18 FLR 20}{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 Farell v Secretary of State}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 [1980] 1 All ER 166 \par }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 Brickfield Properties Ltd v Newton}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 [1971] 3 All ER 328}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 Reddy Construction Co. Ltd v Pacific Gas Company Ltd}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 [1980] 26 FLR 121}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 Hipgrave v Case}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 (1885) 28 Ch D 356}{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 Tildesley v Harper}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 (1876) 10 Ch D 393 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 Buphendra C. Patel with Chen B. Young for the Plaintiff \par Dr. Mohammed Shams-Ud-Dean Sahu Khan with Sadar-Ud-Dean}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 Sahu Khan for the }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 First Defendants \par Anu Patel for the Second Defendant \par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194049 \fs24\lang3081\langfe3081\cgrid\langnp3081\langfenp3081 {\b\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }\trowd \irow0\irowband0\lastrow \ts19\trgaph108\trleft-108\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tblrsid5194049\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol \clvertalt \clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1908\clshdrawnil \cellx1800\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth6948\clshdrawnil \cellx8748\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid10764563 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049\charrsid5194049 17 April, 2001 \cell }\pard \ql \li1872\ri0\nowidctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1872\pararsid5194049 {\b\caps\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049\charrsid5194049 RULING }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049\charrsid5194049 \cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049\charrsid5194049 \trowd \irow0\irowband0\lastrow \ts19\trgaph108\trleft-108\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tblrsid5194049\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol \clvertalt\clbrdrt \brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1908\clshdrawnil \cellx1800\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth6948\clshdrawnil \cellx8748 \row }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194049 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 Gates, J}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049\charrsid5194049 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 The 1st Defendants seek to amend their defence. The trial has reached the stage where the 1st Defendant s are presenting their case. They have completed lengthy evidence in their defence from 2 witnesses. They apply by summons dated 12 April 2001, to which is annexed the proposed amended Defence. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 In effect the amended to existing paragraphs 5, 8(i), (ii), (vi) (f), (vii), and 15, incorporates into the defence the claim that the 1st Defendant s took all reasonable care in their construction works having appointed a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 qualified and/or experienced builder and/or contractor} {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 to do the works. P reviously on amended defence had been filed on 12 October 2000. That Amended Defence had incorporated the claim that the 1st Defendants had relied inter alia on }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 relevant professional advices in the drawing of plans and specifications}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 , and relied on approvals by the 2nd Defendant of plans, specifications, drawings, calculations, and on the 2nd Defendant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 s inspections and supervision. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\nosnaplinegrid\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194049 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 Suresh Chandra was called by the 1st Defendants, and it is now suggested he was an independent contractor. He was across-examined at length by counsel for the Plaintiff and for the 2nd Defendant on the circumstances and terms of his engagement. I am not sure why this was done, since little on this issue was elicited in examination in chief. Perhaps it was done as a matter of caution. Neither of the previous Defences filed deal with the defence of having employed an independent contractor. Dr. Sahu Khan referred to paragraph 12: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\nosnaplinegrid\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5194049 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049\charrsid5194049 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 The First Defendants will also reply on the Defence of act of a third party and/or Act of God."}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049\charrsid5194049 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\nosnaplinegrid\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194049 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 and urged that this was a sufficient pleadings to include the act of an independent }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 contractor. This argument was not developed. If it were available from this paragraph it would appear such defence has not been spelt out at all clearly. Dr. Sahu Khan argues that it is to clear up such ambiguity that he seeks to make the amendment. If it were a distinct defence and not in reality a clarification that is a less compelling reason for amendment see }{ \b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 {\*\bkmkstart Ketteman_v_Hansel_Ambaram_v_Mohd_Y_Khan}Ketteman v Hansel Properties Ltd.{\*\bkmkend Ketteman_v_Hansel_Ambaram_v_Mohd_Y_Khan} }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 [1987] AC 189 at p 220.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194049 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par Counsel for the 2nd Defendant objected to this amendment. He said it was made mala fide and precluded the joining of the builder because the limitation period had expired. He also pointed to the fact that the 1st Defendant s in their former pleadings had admitted that they were responsible for building the building. \par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \fi960\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194049 \i\f1\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194049 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 This in turn caused an injustice to the 2nd Defendant. All preparation for the case had centered around the builder being employed by the 1st Defendant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 s and not acting as an independent contractor. This presented difficulties over interrogatories and discoveries. It changed the whole of the 1st Defendants}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 defence, which defence would have been abundantly obvious to the 1st Defendants}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 solicitors at the outset. \par \par Mr. B C Patel for the Plaintiff adopted all of Mr. Anu Patel}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 s counter arguments. He conceded both he and Mr. Anu Patel should have objected earlier when this issue was raised in the 1st Defendants}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 case. He said the amendment was an ingenious way of avoiding liability. It also smacked of being an afterthought. \par }\pard \ql \li630\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin630\itap0\pararsid5194049 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194049 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 In }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 {\*\bkmkstart Cropper_v_Smith_Ambaram_N_v_Mohd_Y_Khan}Cropper v Smith}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 {\*\bkmkend Cropper_v_Smith_Ambaram_N_v_Mohd_Y_Khan}(1884) 26 Ch. D. 700 at p 710 Bowen L.J. said}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049\charrsid5194049 \par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li630\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin630\itap0\pararsid5194049 \i\f1\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 "Now, I think it is a well established principle that the object of Courts is to decide the rights of the parties, and not to punish them for mistakes they make in the conduct of their cases by deciding otherwise than in accordance with their rights. Spea king for myself, and in conformity with what I have heard laid down by the other division of the Court of Appeal and by myself as a member of}{\i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 }{ \i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 it, I know of no kind of error or mistake which, if not fraudulent or intended to overreach, the Court ought not t o correct, if it can be done without injustice to the other party. Courts do not exist for the sake of discipline, but for the sake of deciding matters in controversy, and I do not regard such amendment as a matter of favour or of grace.}{ \i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 "}{\i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }\pard \s17\ql \fi960\li630\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin630\itap0\pararsid5194049 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }\pard\plain \s18\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194049 \fs16\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 and his Lordship added at p 711:}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049\charrsid5194049 \par }\pard \s18\ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5194049 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 "It seems to me that as soon as it appears that the way in which a party has framed his case will not lead to a decision of the real matter in controversy, it is as much a matter of right on his part to have it corrected, if it can be done without injustice, as anything else in the case is a matter of right.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \fi80\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194049 \i\f1\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194049 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 A.L. Smith L.J in }{ \b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 {\*\bkmkstart Shoe_v_Cutlan_Ambaram_v_Mohd_Y_Khan}Shoe Machinery Co. v Cutlan }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 {\*\bkmkend Shoe_v_Cutlan_Ambaram_v_Mohd_Y_Khan}[1896] 1 Ch. 108 at p 112 expressed himself to be in emphatic agreement with Bowen L.J.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 s observations. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194049 \i\f1\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 {\*\bkmkstart O20_5_1_HCR_Ambaram_v_Mohd_Y_Khan}Order 20 rule 5 (1) {\*\bkmkend O20_5_1_HCR_Ambaram_v_Mohd_Y_Khan}of the High Court Rules provides:}{\i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019 \par }{\i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049\charrsid5194049 \par }\pard \s17\ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5194049 {\i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 "}{\i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 5.-(1) Subject to Order 15, rules 6, 8 and 9 and the following provisions of this rule, the Court may at any stage of the proceedings allow the Plaintiff to amend his writ or any party to amend his pleading, on such terms as to costs or otherwise as may be just and in such manner (if any) as it may direct.}{\i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 "}{ \i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }\pard \s17\ql \fi960\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194049 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194049 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 Amendment may be allowed "at any stage of the proceedings" which includes during a trial }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 {\*\bkmkstart Duke_of_Buccleuch_Ambaram_v_Mohd_Y_Khan}The Duke of Buccleuch }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 {\*\bkmkend Duke_of_Buccleuch_Ambaram_v_Mohd_Y_Khan}[1892] P. 201, at p 211}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 per Lord Esher}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 MR; }{ \b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 {\*\bkmkstart GL_Baker_v_Medway_Ambaram_v_Mohd_Y_Khan}G}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 .}{ \b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 L}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 . }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 Baker Ltd. v {\*\bkmkend GL_Baker_v_Medway_Ambaram_v_Mohd_Y_Khan}Medway Building & Supplies Ltd. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 [1958] 1 WLR 1216. With some reluctance the trial judge was prepared to allow the statement of claim to be amended in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 {\*\bkmkstart Loutfi_v_Czanikow_Ambaram_v_Mohd_Y_Khan} Loutfi v C. Czarnikow {\*\bkmkend Loutfi_v_Czanikow_Ambaram_v_Mohd_Y_Khan}Ltd. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 (1952) 2 All ER 823 as late as after the close of the case but before judgment. \par \par }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 Reasons for Amendment}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \fi960\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194049 \i\f1\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }\pard \s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194049 {\i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 In}{\b\i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 }{ \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 Loutfi}{\b\i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 }{\i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 (supra) at p 824A Sellers J said:}{\i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019 \par }{\i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049\charrsid5194049 \par }\pard \s17\ql \li630\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin630\itap0\pararsid5194049 {\i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 "I think it would be only in conformity with well-established rules that I should allow that amendment because it is simply setting out in the pleadings that which has emerged in the course of the case as an issue between the parties." \par }\pard \s17\ql \fi960\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194049 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194049 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 Earlier at p 823F h is Lordship had indicated the requisite test and said:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049\charrsid5194049 \par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \fi-28\li748\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin748\itap0\pararsid5194049 \i\f1\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 "I entirely accept the submission for the Defendants that that is very late, and that the court should be reluctant to grant amendments at such a late stage unless there is very good ground and strong justification for so doing.}{ \i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 "}{\i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194049 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par In the trial before me not much was raised on this issue in chief. However the terms of the builders engagement were gone into at length in cross-examination by both the Plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 s counsel and also by the 2nd Defendant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 s counsel. As a result the apparently unpleaded issue became an issue in controversy between the parties, (see }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 G.L. Baker Ltd}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 . supra at p 1231; as applied in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 {\*\bkmkstart FEA_v_Balram_Ambaram_v_Mohd_Y_Khan}FEA v Balram }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 {\*\bkmkend FEA_v_Balram_Ambaram_v_Mohd_Y_Khan}[1972] Fiji LR 203;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 see too}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 comments of House of Lords in }{ \b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 {\*\bkmkstart Farrell_v_Secretary_Ambaram_v_Mohammed}Farrell v Secretary of State }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 {\*\bkmkend Farrell_v_Secretary_Ambaram_v_Mohammed}[1980] 1 All ER 166 at l73). \par \par On the issue of ambiguity perhaps Dr. Sahu Khan is on weaker ground. If allowed this would be the Third Amendment of the 1st Defendants}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 Defence. The Defence had previously referred to the reliance on professional advisers in matters of the drawing of plans and specifications. Why not a reliance on the builder for a large 4 storey building for the central business district of Lautoka? The facts of course must be proved in evidence, but it would not have been surprising if the Defence had intended to plead to include the builder. \par \par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194049 \i\f1\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 I have come to the view that there has been no mala fides here, but rather a genuine mistake. At the outset the proposed defence regarding independent contractor should have been pleaded. It was not done.}{ \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 In }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 {\*\bkmkstart Brickfield_v_Nwton_Ambaram_v_Mohd_Y_Khan}Brickfield Properties Ltd v Newton}{\i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 {\*\bkmkend Brickfield_v_Nwton_Ambaram_v_Mohd_Y_Khan} [1971] 3 All ER 328 at p 336b Sachs L.J. said:}{\i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019 \par }{\i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049\charrsid5194049 \par }\pard \s17\ql \li630\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin630\itap0\pararsid5194049 {\i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 "}{\i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 Legal proceedings are serious matters in which the parties seek and are entitled to justice \emdash so far as possible they should not be treated as a minuet or game in which the courts are astute to exclude a party from the floor or field by reason of a technically false step taken through a genuine and excusable mistake of their advisers.}{\i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 "}{ \i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }\pard \s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194049 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194049 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 The case involved an application to cure a defective writ under the same High Court rule, Order 20 r. 5.}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par In considering whether to allow a late amendment of the pleadings a court must consider what prejudice might be caused to the other parties. Here the Plaintiff and 2nd Defendant had elected to cross-examine the builder at length on his term s of engagement. Now that the matter is specifically pleaded and the witness is to be recalled after discovery no prejudice will occur to the litigants in meeting the 1st Defendants}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 claim in their respective cases. Inevitably this case must go part heard again. Such interval will provide further time for the 2nd Defendant to consider what evidence to adduce in challenging the claim clarified by the amendment. Time to meet the amended claim as a result of an abandoned trial hearing date was a significant reason for allowing the appeal and thus the amendment in }{ \b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 {\*\bkmkstart Reddy_v_Pacific_Ambaram_v_Mohd_Y_Khan}Reddy Construction Co. Ltd. v Pacific Gas Company Ltd{\*\bkmkend Reddy_v_Pacific_Ambaram_v_Mohd_Y_Khan}. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 [1980] Fiji LR 121 at p 126H. \par }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 The Plaintiff and 2nd Defendant claim pre judice on the question of limitation, stating they will not now be able to join the builder as a party. This criticism has nothing to do with the amendment of the 1st Defendants}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 pleadings. In considering who to sue or who to blame, any of the parties coul d have sued or joined the builder long before this trial commenced. Each one chose not to do so. If their respective claims are now barred by limitation they cannot lay that at the door of the 1st Defendant for the way they chose to frame their initial Defences, and such claims existed quite independently of the 1st Defendants}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 pleadings. The availability of a cause of action against the builder was a matter that would have been abundantly obvious both to the 1st Defendant as also to the Plaintiff at the time of filing of pleadings or at least several months prior to the commencement of this trial }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 {\*\bkmkstart Hipgrave_v_Case_Ambaram_v_Mohd_Y_Khan}Hipgrave v Case }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 {\*\bkmkend Hipgrave_v_Case_Ambaram_v_Mohd_Y_Khan}(1885) 28 Ch D 356 at p 361.}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 Though there was found to be lateness and carelessness in bring forward the real issue or issues to be tried, the Court of Appeal allowed amendment in }{ \b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 {\*\bkmkstart Tildesley_v_Harper_Ambaram_v_Mohd_Y_Khan}Tildesley v Harpe{\*\bkmkend Tildesley_v_Harper_Ambaram_v_Mohd_Y_Khan}r }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 (1876) 10 Ch. D. 393. \par }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 Much will depend of course on the quality of the evidence and credibility of the witnesses on the issue. It would not be proper to penalize the 1st Defendant s for failing to include the builder in the line of defence already pleaded that the 1st Defendants relied on the advice and work of persons of competence, professional advisers, in their development of the site. \par \par In }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 Farrell}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 '}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 s }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 case supra, a case arising out of the troubles in Northern Ireland, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 Viscount Dilhorne at 173b said:}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049\charrsid5194049 \par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li630\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin630\itap0\pararsid5194049 \i\f1\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 "}{ \i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 It could have been pleaded that there was negligence on the part of persons other than the four soldiers. Any such allegations would have to have been properly formulated, and if such a case had been pleaded and presented, then the question whether any an d if so what duty of care was owed to persons reasonably suspected of attempting to commit or of committing a serious crime would have arisen for consideration." \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194049 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 The Plaintiff had failed to plead that others, NCOs and directing officers other than the 4 soldiers, had been negligent by virtue of their planning and control of the operation. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 Lord Edmund-Davies observed at 173j:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049\charrsid5194049 \par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li630\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin630\itap0\pararsid5194049 \i\f1\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 "}{ \i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 It is therefore unnecessary to consider what should have been done had useful admissions been elicited, save to say that latitude ex tended by a trial judge in relation to cross-examination does not per se broaden the pleaded issues, though it may give rise to a successful application for leave to amend}{\i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 }{ \i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 if such cross-examination proves fruitful.}{\i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194049 "}{\i0\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194049 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 In the result, the 1st Defendant, is given leave to file an amended statement of defence as proposed in the summons. Leave is given to the Plaintiff and to the 2nd Defendant to have any relevant witness recalled for further cross-examination on the issue now unambiguously pleaded. Leave is also given to the Plaintiff to re-open its case to call or recall witnesses on the same issue. The Plaintiff and 2nd Defendant are to have their costs occasioned by this amendment, which are to be borne by the 1st Defendants. \par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194049 \fs24\lang3081\langfe3081\cgrid\langnp3081\langfenp3081 {\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 Application for Leave to Appeal and Stay refused. \par }{\i\lang2057\langfe3081\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194049 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14901019\charrsid5194049 Shayne Sorby}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1972231\charrsid5194049 \par }}