Nalumansi Christine v Hon. Justice Steven Kavuma (High Court Misc. Appl. No. 155 of 2008) (High Court Misc. Appl. No. 155 of 2008) [2008] UGHC 52 (16 November 2008) | Consent Judgment | Esheria

Nalumansi Christine v Hon. Justice Steven Kavuma (High Court Misc. Appl. No. 155 of 2008) (High Court Misc. Appl. No. 155 of 2008) [2008] UGHC 52 (16 November 2008)

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{\insrsid9638218 \chftnsepc \par }}\sectd \linex0\headery708\footery708\colsx708\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid10573115\sftnbj {\footer \pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar \tqc\tx4153\tqr\tx8306\pvpara\phmrg\posxr\posy0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9638218 \fs24\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 {\field{\*\fldinst {\cs17\insrsid5910816 PAGE }}{\fldrslt { \cs17\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid14031727 1}}}{\cs17\insrsid5910816 \par }\pard \s16\ql \li0\ri360\widctlpar\tqc\tx4153\tqr\tx8306\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin360\lin0\itap0\pararsid5910816 {\insrsid5910816 \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 \s15\qc \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1 \widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid5910816 \fs24\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 {\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA \line IN THE HIGH COURT OF UGANDA AT KAMPALA \line HCT-00-CV-MA-0 155-2008 \line (Arising from H. C. C. S No. 0784 of 2008) \line NALUMANSI }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5910816\charrsid10573115 CHRISTINE:}{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 :::::::::::::::::::}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5910816\charrsid10573115 : APPLICANT}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 /PLAINTIFF \line VERSUS \line HON. JUSTICE STEVEN }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5910816\charrsid10573115 KAVUMA:}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 ::::}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5910816\charrsid10573115 : DEFENDANT}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 /RESPONDENT \line }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5910816 \par }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 BEFORE: }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE YOROKAMU BAMWINE \line }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5910816

\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid5910816 {\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 RULING: }{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 When this application came up for hearing on 13/10/2008, Mr. Lwere for the respondent raised a preliminary point of law. He argued that the application is bad in law and improperly before the c ourt. He invited me to dismiss it with costs to the respondent. The applicant, unrepresented by counsel, put up a spirited objection to the prayer for the dismissal of the application. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5910816 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 I have addressed my mind to the arguments of the parties. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5910816 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 By way of a short background to this matt}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5910816 er, the applicant herein filed }{ \b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 HCCS NO. 0784 }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 \emdash }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 2006 }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 against }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5910816 the respondent. The respondent }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 filed a written statement of Defence w}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5910816 hich included a counter claim. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 As the case was pending hearing, court received a document dated }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5910816 23}{\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid5910816\charrsid5910816 rd}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 day of January, 2008. It was signed by both parties and it reads: \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5910816 \par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid5910816 {\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 CONSENT }{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 \line }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5910816 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid5910816 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 IT IS HEREBY AGREED between the parties as follows: \par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid7501578 {\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 \'931. }{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7501578 \tab }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 The above suit be and is her}{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7501578 eby withdrawn by the plaintiff }{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 and the case file closed}{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7501578 .}{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 \line }{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7501578 \par }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 1. }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7501578 \tab }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 Each party shall bear its own costs. \line }{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7501578 \par }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid7501578 2.}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7501578 \tab }{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 The plaintiff shall not institute any other case or claim in court based on the same facts against the defendant. \line }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7501578 \par }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 Dated at Kampala this 23}{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid7501578 rd}{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 day of January, 2008. \line }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7501578 \par }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 Signed }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7501578 }{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 Signed \line }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7501578 \'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85 \'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85 \par NAL}{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 UMANSI CHRISTINE }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7501578 HON. JUSTICE STEVEN KA}{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 VUMA \line (PLAINTIFF) }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7501578 }{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 (DEFENDANT)\'94 \line 0772920575 \line }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5007768 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid5007768 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 On the basis of this letter, the learned Registr }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5007768 ar of this court sanctioned the }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 withdrawal and closed the file accordingly. After about two months, the applicant filed this application in which she seeks orders that: \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5007768 \par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid5007768 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 (i). }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5007768 \tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 The withdrawal by consent entered by the parties in the above mentioned head suit be set aside. \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5007768 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid5007768 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 (ii). }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5007768 \tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 The costs of the application be provided for. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5007768 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 She advanced the following grounds: \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5007768 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 1. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5007768 \tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 That the applicant\rquote s claims in the head suit had a high probability of success. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5007768 \par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid5007768 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 2. }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5007768 \tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 The alleged consent of the applicant by signing the withdrawal filed on the 23}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid5007768\charrsid5007768 rd}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 of January 2008 was procured through duress for which th}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5007768 e respondent is responsible. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 \par 3. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5007768 \tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 The applicant is not interested in withdrawing the head suit as she is ready and determined to prosecute it to the end. \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5007768 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid5007768 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 From the pleadings, it is not disputed that the applica}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5007768 nt signed the withdrawal order. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 What she is alleging is that the same was procured through duress. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5007768 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 Mr. Lwere\rquote s argument runs thus: \line That it is established law that where judgment or order was entered by consent and one of the parties wishes to have the consent order set aside, the interested party can only do it by bringing a fresh action by way of a regular suit, unless all the parties agree otherwise. That an application like the instant one

cannot be made to the court of first instance in the original action seeking orders to set aside a consent judgment or order. That since the order was for withdrawal, the applicant cannot be allowed to take any subsequent proceedings on the same cause of action. She has to initiate another action in which she will have to plead, inter alia, duress and give particulars of the duress, including the dates and the alleged acts of the respondent which amount to duress and call the relevant evidence. \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5007768 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 The authori ties given by the applicant, unfortunately, relate professional rights and duties of Counsel. They are therefore not of any help to court. I will do the best I can given that the applicant was not represented by Counsel. \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5007768 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid14051663 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 It is in my view settled law that any person considering himself or herself aggrieved by a decree or order from which no appeal is allowed by the Civil Procedure Act may apply f}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13649885 or review of judgment to the }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 court which passed the decree or made the order, and the court may make such ord er on the decree or order as it thinks fit. Section 82 (b) of the Act refers. It is important to note that this application is not brought under that law. It is brought under 0.52 rr (1) and (2) of the Civil Procedure Rules and Section 98 of the Act. The catch words in Section 82 are: }{\b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 any person considering himself/herself aggrieved. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 This in my view includes even party who consents to a decree or order. He/She can be aggrieved by it if it was induced through illegality, fraud or mistake. The law permits suc h consent judgments to be set aside in appropriate circumstances. The guiding factor is whether there is sufficient reason for reviewing or setting aside the consent judgment or order. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13649885 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 In short, it is a well settled principle that a consent decree has to be upheld unless it is vitiated by a reason that would enable a court to set aside an agreement. \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13649885 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 Such a reason can be fraud, mistake, misapprehension or contravention of court policy. The principle is premised on the ground that a consent decree is passed on terms of a new contract between the parties to the consent judgment. It is in that light that I have to consider the impugned consent order herein. I am of the considered view that much as court has inherent powers to make such orders as may be necess ary for the ends of justice, this can only be possible when the matter is properly before the court. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13649885 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 In the instant case, as far as court is concerned, the applicant/plaintiff\rquote s action was terminated when she applied to withdraw the suit on or about 23-01-200}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13649885 8. The court entertained and }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 granted the application. There is therefore no suit on record. She can only continue litigating on this matter if she files a fresh suit, subject to the law of limitation, on the same cause of action. Until that is done, court cannot entertain a matter which does not exist on its record: }{\b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 Administrator General }{\b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13649885\charrsid10573115 vs.}{ \b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 Wilson Mivule HCCS NO 859/96 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 reproduced }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 (19981 }{\b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 iv KALR 49. }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 \line }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13649885 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 I would note that upto the time she filed this application on 20-03- 2008, close to two months followi ng the withdrawal, the only matter pending in court was the counter-claim. The defendant/respondent has since written to court seeking withdrawal of the same. The matter is yet to get the necessary attention. The same shall be attended to hereafter. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13649885 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 Having said so, even if court were inclined to the view that the applicant\rquote s grievance be investigated, I would note that fraud is a se}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13649885 rious moral stigma to attach to }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 someone. The law properly requires proof and the burden is higher than in ordinary complaints. So how would a party show that he/she was defrauded or that the consent, as herein, was obtained through dress? \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13649885 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 The general principle is that unless all the parties agree, a consent order, when entered, can only be set aside by a fresh action. An applica tion cannot be made to the court of first instance in the original action to set aside the judgment or order except, perhaps, in the case of an interlocutory order, nor can it be done by way of an appeal. \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13649885 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid13649885 {\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13649885 See: Hal}{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 sbury\rquote s Law}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13649885 s }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 of England, }{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13649885 3}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid13649885\charrsid13649885 r}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid13649885 d}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 Edition, Vol. 22 Page 792 paragraph 1672. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115

\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid14051663 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 In }{ \b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 Hannington Wasswa }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14031727\charrsid10573115 vs.}{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 Maria Onyango Ochola & Others SCCA No. 22/93 (119941 IV KALR 98\rquote ), }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 the court held t}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14031727 hat it was improper to commence }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 proceedings to challenge the alleged acts of fraud by notice of motion because the st andard of proof must be high. The court held that the allegation of fraud required an ordinary suit where witnesses would be cross-examined. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14031727 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 In my view, given the serious allegations of fraud leveled against the respondent, the shorter way of proceeding, namely, by motion is not open to the applicant. Suffice it to add, that fraud is such a serious allegation which must be pleaded and proved on evidence that can be tested under cross-examination. Affidavit evidence has its own limitations. \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14031727 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 Accordingly, even if court were to take a generous course that the issue of fraud be investigated, I would still hold that the proced}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14031727 ure adopted by the applicant is }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 improper. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14031727 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 For the reasons stated above, the application is disallowed. In light of the peculiarities of this matter, I would order that each party bears its own costs herein. I order so. \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14031727 \par }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14031727 Yorokamu}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 Bamwine \line JUDGE}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 \line }{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 17/10/2008 \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 \par }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 17/10/2008: \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 Applicant present \line }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 Court: \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14031727 Ruling delivered. \line }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14031727\charrsid14031727 Yorokam}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid14031727 u}{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 Bamwine \line JUDGE \line 17/11/ 2008 \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14031727\charrsid14031727 \par }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 Applicant: }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid14031727 \line No objection to the withdrawal of the counter-claim. I can meet my costs.}{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 \line Court: \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid14031727 Counter-claim withdrawn. No order as to costs.}{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 \line }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14031727 Yorokamu B}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 amwine \line JUDG}{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14031727 E \line 17/11}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 /2008 \line }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid14031727 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14051663 \fs24\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13524116\charrsid10573115 \par }}