Awt World Transport Group Ltd. v. China United Holdings Ltd.

Read the full judgment text of HCA 21883/1998 on BabelCite. This High Court CFI judgment was delivered on 20 July 1999.

1. This is an application by a defendant for security for costs. The plaintiff is a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, carrying on business in Hong Kong. There is no evidence that the plaintiff has assets here to meet any award of costs which may be made against it and indeed it seems clear that it is short of funds. I am satisfied that it would be right to order security as asked but, as to quantum, I do not think it right at this stage to order security for all the costs of th

Case No.HCA 21883/1998
Court
High Court CFI
Date20 Jul 1999
Judge
Case Document
100%Judiciary

HCA021883/1998

HCA 21883/1998

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE

HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION

COURT OF FIRST INSTANCE

ACTION NO. 21883 OF 1998

BETWEEN
AWT WORLD TRANSPORT GROUP LIMITED (formerly known as AWT WORLD TRANSPORT (B.V.I.) LIMITED) Plaintiff
AND
CHINA UNITED HOLDINGS LIMITED Defendant

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Coram : Hon. Godfrey, J.A. in Chambers (sitting as an additional Judge of the Court of First Instance)

Date of hearing : 20 July 1999

Date of judgment : 20 July 1999

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J U D G M E N T

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Godfrey, J.A. :

1. This is an application by a defendant for security for costs. The plaintiff is a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, carrying on business in Hong Kong. There is no evidence that the plaintiff has assets here to meet any award of costs which may be made against it and indeed it seems clear that it is short of funds. I am satisfied that it would be right to order security as asked but, as to quantum, I do not think it right at this stage to order security for all the costs of the action, as there is pending an application by the plaintiff for summary judgment which is to be heard in August and which, if successful, will obviate a trial altogether. I shall therefore order only limited security, giving the defendant liberty to apply for further security if so advised after the plaintiff's application for summary judgment has been determined. I shall fix the sum at $90,000.00, the security to be given within 14 days and the action to stand dismissed if it be not so given. I shall make no order as to costs.

(Gerald Godfrey)
Justice of Appeal

Representation:

Miss Jennifer Tsui instructed by Messrs. T. H. Koo & Associates for Plaintiff

Mr. Andrew Mak instructed by Messrs. Hoosenally & Neo for Defendant