Harvey Norman Holdings Limited v Fels [2002] FCA 13

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Harvey Norman Holdings Limited v Fels [2002] FCA 13

PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE – motion for leave to discontinue proceedings – whether proceedings reasonably commenced – whether any order as to costs appropriate in circumstances

Federal Court of Australia Act (1976) (Cth) s 43(2) Federal Court Rules O 22 r 2(1)(d)

Trade Practices Commission v Manfal (No 3) (1991) 33 FCR 382 referred to Cambridge Consolidated NL v Zephyr Minerals NL [2001] FCA 515 referred to O'Neill v Mann [2000] FCA 1680 referred to Re Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs; Ex parte Lai Qin (1997) 143 ALR 1 considered Colgate Palmolive Company v Cussons Pty Limited (1993) 46 FCR 225 referred to Andrews v Barnes (1888) 39 Ch D 133 referred to Carindale Country Club Estate Pty Limited v Astill (1993) 42 FCR 307 referred to Newman v Phillips Fox (1999) 21 WAR 309 referred to Bolkiah v KMPG [1999] 2 AC 222 considered Mallesons Stephen Jaques v KPMG Peat Marwick (1990) 4 WAR 357 referred to Farrow Mortgage Services Pty Ltd (in liq) v Mendall Properties Pty Ltd [1995] 1 VR 1 referred to

HARVEY NORMAN HOLDINGS LIMITED v ALLAN HERBERT MILLER FELS & ANOR N 858 of 2001 STONE J 22 JANUARY 2002 SYDNEY

IN THE FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

NEW SOUTH WALES DISTRICT REGISTRY N 858 OF 2001

BETWEEN: HARVEY NORMAN HOLDINGS LTD

(ACN 003 237 545)

APPLICANT

AND: ALLAN HERBERT MILLER FELS

FIRST RESPONDENT

AUSTRALIAN COMPETITION AND CONSUMER COMMISSION

SECOND RESPONDENT

JUDGE: STONE J

DATE OF ORDER: 22 JANUARY 2002

WHERE MADE: SYDNEY

THE COURT ORDERS THAT:

1. The applicant has leave to discontinue the proceedings.

2. The applicant shall not commence further proceedings against the respondents in respect of the facts pleaded in the statement of claim in proceedings number N 858 of 2001 without the leave of the Court.