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{\title \'93this is a quote, has said, of me saying \'91this is a quote\'92\'94}{\author raikatalau_l}{\operator ruddley_e}{\creatim\yr2011\mo6\dy16\hr14\min22}{\revtim\yr2011\mo6\dy20\hr14\min51}{\version3}{\edmins3}{\nofpages4}{\nofwords1425}
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\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs16\insrsid10500829\charrsid1275895 \tab }{\fs16\insrsid10500829\charrsid14567563 Waisea Mataitini v Director of Lands & Ors.}{\fs16\insrsid10500829  (HC)}{\fs16\insrsid10500829\charrsid933470 
\tab }{\field{\*\fldinst {\cs17\fs16\insrsid10500829\charrsid933470  PAGE }}{\fldrslt {\cs17\fs16\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid5138903 4}}}{\cs17\fs16\insrsid10500829\charrsid933470 
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\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\pararsid5138903 
\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 {\*\bkmkstart Waisea_Mataitini_Director_of_Lands_and_O}WAISEA MATAITINI v DIRECTOR OF LANDS, NATIVE LAND TRUST BOARD & ORS.

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5138903 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 {\*\bkmkend Waisea_Mataitini_Director_of_Lands_and_O}
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 High Court Civil Jurisdiction
\par 18 September, 2001 \tab \tab \tab \tab \tab \tab HBC 296/98
\par 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 Leave to appeal to Court of Appeal \endash  whether Plaintiff}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903 '}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 s representative capacity must be proved at an interlocutory stage or at trial -whether lack of locus standi is an abuse of the process of court - Court of Appeal Act s12(2)(f)
, Native Lands Act}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 s23; 1997 Constitution s29(2)
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 
\par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5138903 \fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 
The Plaintiff commenced a representative action against the }{\caps\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 d}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 efendants. D2 
contended that the issue whether the Plaintiff actually represents Mataqali Nakauraki in the action was a matter for preliminary hearing. The High Court earlier 
decided it is not the practice in civil administration to have a preliminary hearing, as it is in the criminal jurisdiction.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 D2 
appealed on the ground that the Plaintiff must prove his representative capacity at an interlocutory stage to institute the proceedings which were an abuse of the process of court. 
The Court found that an authoritative decision of the Court of Appeal as to representative capacity to institute proceedings will serve a useful purpose as a forerunner to many such actions, and allowed the appeal.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5138903 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 Held - }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 the Plaintiff is not barred by Native lands Act s23 from bringing a representative action, but the 
law on whether a Plaintiff landowner can institute action in a representative capacity representing a mataqali required clarification from the Court of Appeal in the public interest.
\par 
\par Leave to appeal granted.
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 Cases referred to in Decision
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 appr}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903  Waisake Ratu & Ors v NLTB}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903  HBC 580/84

\par foll }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 Smith v Cosworth Casting Processes Ltd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903  The Times Law Reports; 28/3/97 at 40
\par 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 Iniasi Tuberi for the Plaintiff
\par Savenaca Banuve for the }{\i\caps\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 f}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 irst and }{
\i\caps\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 t}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 hird to }{\i\caps\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 f}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 ifth }{\i\caps\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 d}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 efendants
\par Alanieta Vakatale for the Second Defendant
\par William W. Clarke for the}{\i\caps\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903  s}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 ixth }{
\i\caps\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 d}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 efendant
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 
\par 18 September, 2001}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5138903 {\b\caps\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 decision
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 (Application for Leave to Appeal)
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5138903 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 Pathik, J.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 
\par By summons dated 25 April 2000 the Native Land Trust Board (the Second Defendant - the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 D2}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 ) has made an application to the Court that leave be granted to it pursuant to section 
{\*\bkmkstart s12_2_f_FCA_Mataitini_v_Dir_Lands}12(2)(f) {\*\bkmkend s12_2_f_FCA_Mataitini_v_Dir_Lands}of the Court of Appeal Act to appeal to the Court of Appeal against the interlocutory decision of this Court delivered on 31st March 2000.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 An affidavit in support has been filed.
\par 
\par Before I proceed to consider the application I think I ought to state the last two paragraphs of my said decision to give a picture of what was involved.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 I stated:
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5138903 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 
As I have already stated the Plaintiff has a standing based on representative action under {\*\bkmkstart O15_r14_HCR_Mataitini_v_Dir_Lands}Or 15 r.14{\*\bkmkend O15_r14_HCR_Mataitini_v_Dir_Lands}.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 On the facts of this case in applying Rule 18 I have in mind that }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903 '}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 it is not the practice in civil administration of the courts to have a preliminary hearing, as it is in crime}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903 '}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 
In deference to the very comprehensive submissions with authorities made by counsel for all the parties, I would just say that these authorities will be very useful in the trial of the action.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 In considering this application, it is noted that under Or 18 r.2 }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903 "}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 no evidence shall be admissible on an application under paragraph (1)(2)}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 .Therefore I rely solely on the facts provided and the facts revealed that the Plaintiff has instituted this action under representative proceedings (Or 15 r.14).}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 Whether or not the Plaintiff actually represents the Mataqali has to be proved by him in the trial.\tab 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5138903 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5138903 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 To conclude, on the facts before me I am satisfied that the Plaintiff
 has locus standi to commence these proceedings and that there is a reasonable cause of action. This is not a case where recourse could be had to the summary process under Rule 18.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 In the exercise of my discretion bearing in mind the facts and circumstances of this case I dismiss the Defendants}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903  application to strike out the action with costs in the cause AND I direct that the action now proceed in the normal way.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5138903 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 
\par Section (12)(2)(f) under which the application for leave is made provides (inter alia) as follows:-}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903\charrsid5138903 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5138903 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 
No appeal shall lie without the leave of the judge or of the Court of Appeal from any interlocutory order or interlocutory judgment made or given by a judge of the Supreme Court, except in the following cases, namely: ...}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 .
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5138903 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 
\par It is D2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 s contention that the Plaintiff
 must be put to strict proof of his status as representative of the Mataqali Nakauraki before we proceed to trial and that with such onus being upon the Plaintiff the appeal against the decision granting the Plaintiff locus standi would succeed.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 The Defendant therefore submits that the Plaintiff
 has no locus standi to institute these proceedings which is an abuse of the process of the court.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 Also it says that the Plaintiff
 must be put to strict proof of his representative capacity at the interlocutory stage instead of at trial.
\par 
\par The Plaintiff through his counsel opposes the application stating, inter alia, that {\*\bkmkstart s23_2_NLTA_Mataitini_v_Dir_Lands}section 23 {\*\bkmkend s23_2_NLTA_Mataitini_v_Dir_Lands}of the Native Lands Act Cap. 134 does not bar any nat
ive landowner from bringing any action against the Native Land Trust Board (D2).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 The Plaintiff
 is not barred by the provisions of s.23 from bringing this action in a representative capacity.
\par 
\par The said s23 provides as follows:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903\charrsid5138903 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5138903 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 23.-(1) All actions, suits a
nd proceedings respecting native land or respecting any lease, licence or permit relating thereto, or respecting the breach of any covenant contained in any such lease, licence or permit or respecting any trespass}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 on such land, or any damages accruing by 
reason of such trespass or for the recovery of any rents or fees, or relating to any damage or wrong whatsoever in}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 
respect of such land, may be commenced, prosecuted and carried on in the name and title of the Board.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5138903 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903\charrsid5138903 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5138903 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 (2) In any such action, suit or procee
ding the Board may be represented by any barrister and solicitor or by any officer or servant of the Board duly authorised in that behalf.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5138903 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 
\par This section was interpreted by Cullinan J in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 {\*\bkmkstart Waisake_Rt_v_NLTB_Mataitini_v_Dir_Lands}Waisake Ratu & Others v Native 
{\*\bkmkend Waisake_Rt_v_NLTB_Mataitini_v_Dir_Lands}Land Trust Board}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 
, Civil Action No. 580 of 1984 and referred to by me in my said decision at page 5 which in effect says that a representative action as in this case can be brought.
\par 
\par The Plaintiff submits that with the established authorities supporting the locus standi of representative actions with regard to section 23 the Defendants have no likelihood of success in the appeal if leave is granted.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 He further submits that {\*\bkmkstart Const_29_2_Mataitini_v_Dir_Lands}section 29(2) {\*\bkmkend Const_29_2_Mataitini_v_Dir_Lands}
of the Constitution Amendment Act 1997 which provides as follows clearly overrides any restrictions that D2 may rely on as far as locus standi of the Plaintiff is concerned:
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5138903 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 
29(2) Every party to a civil dispute has the right to have the matter determined by a court of law or, if appropriate, by an independent and impartial tribunal.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5138903 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 The Plaintiff submits that leave to appeal be refused and that the action should proceed on its normal course.
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 Consideration of the application}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 
\par I have considered the arguments put forward by both counsel (for D2 and Plaintiff) for their respective parties.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 
This Court has given its decision based on authorities as set out therein.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 The Defendant
 is of the view that on the grounds and reasons given by it, a higher court}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 
s pronouncement on the correctness or otherwise of the decision is important.
\par 
\par It is my estimation that this type of action in a representative capacity could be the forerunner of many such actions hence an authoritative decision of the Appeal Court on the point will serve a useful purpose.
\par 
\par The following test has been laid down in considering the granting of leave as stated in The Supreme Court Practice 1979 Volume 1 under Or.59 r.14(2):}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903\charrsid5138903 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5138903 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 The Court of Appeal
 will grant leave if they see a prima facie case that an error has been made ... or if the question is one of general principle, decided for the first time ... or a question of importance upon which further argument and a decision of the Court of Appeal w
ould be to the public advantage}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 . 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5138903 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 
\par The Defendant has attacked the Court}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 s decision on a number of grounds.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 It maintains that it has a reasonable prospect of success in the appeal if leave is granted.
\par 
\par An authoritative decision on criterion to be adopted for leave to appeal has been clearly stated as follows in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 {\*\bkmkstart Smith_v_Cosworth_Mataitini_v_Dir_Lands}
Smith v Cosworth Casting Processes Ltd.}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 {\*\bkmkend Smith_v_Cosworth_Mataitini_v_Dir_Lands}
(The Times Law Reports; 28 March 1997 at 40) before Lord Woolf, Master of the Rolls, Lord Justice Peter Gibson and Lord Justice Swinton Thomas:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903\charrsid5138903 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5138903 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 
A court was entitled to grant an application for leave to appeal even if it was not satisfied that the appeal had any realistic prospect of succeeding.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5138903 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5138903 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 There might be many other reasons why the
 court thought it desirable that the appeal should proceed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 
It was a misconception to assume when only one reason for granting leave was mentioned by the court that it was the only reason}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 .

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5138903 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 
\par The Court further stated as follows on whether prospect of success is a criterion for leave to appeal:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903\charrsid5138903 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5138903 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 
The court would only refuse leave if satisfied that an applicant had no realistic prospect of succeeding on the appeal.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 The }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 no realistic prospect}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903  test was not meant to be any different from the test which was sometimes called }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 no arguable case}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 .
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5138903 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 The Court said that the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 use of the word }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 realistic}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 
made it clear that a fanciful prospect or an unrealistic argument was not sufficient}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903  (ibid).}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 The Court further stated that as an example, the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 issue might be one which the court considered should in the public interest be examined by the Court of Appeal, or that it raised an issue, where the law required clarifying}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138903  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 
In the instant case obtaining of clarification on the law is needed.
\par 
\par For these reasons leave to appeal to Court of Appeal is granted.
\par 
\par }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5138903 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 Application for leave granted.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5138903 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 
\par }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5138903 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8343772\charrsid5138903 Marie Chan
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5138903 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1972231\charrsid5138903 
\par }}