Rafiq v Department of Internal Affairs

[2014] NZCA 501

IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF NEW ZEALAND

CA496/2014
[2014] NZCA 501

BETWEEN	RAZDAN RAFIQ Appellant
AND	DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS Respondent

Counsel:

Appellant in person
A R Longdill and O Klaassen for Respondent

Judgment:

(On the papers)

14 October 2014 at 2.30 pm

JUDGMENT OF HARRISON J
(Review of Registrar’s Decision)

AThe application to review the Registrar’s decision refusing to dispense with security for costs is dismissed.

BThe appellant is to pay the sum of $5,880.00 by way of security for costs on or before 3 November 2014.

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REASONS

1. On 8 September 2014 the appellant, Razdan Rafiq, pre-emptively applied to review a decision made by the Registrar on 6 October, declining his application to dispense with security for costs on this appeal in Rafiq v Secretary for Department of Internal Affairs of New Zealand.[1]  She directed the security be set at $5,880.00 and be paid on or before 3 November 2014.

   [1]Rafiq v Secretary for Department of Internal Affairs of New Zealand [2014] NZHC 2064.

2. While it is doubtful whether Mr Rafiq is able to apply for a review of the Registrar’s decision before that decision has even been made, I am prepared to treat what is before me as such an application.

3. The Registrar properly considered that security for costs should not be dispensed with if a reasonable and solvent litigant would not proceed with the appeal, having regard to the benefits of bringing the appeal weighed against the costs.  She was entitled to consider the sheer volume of unmeritorious proceedings brought by Mr Rafiq as well as the views of a number of Judges, presiding over other litigation brought by him, that Mr Rafiq’s efforts are an abuse of procedure brought to vex and harass the various respondents.  She properly concluded it would not be right to require the Secretary for the Department of Internal Affairs to defend the judgment under challenge without the usual protection as to costs provided by security.[2] 

   [2]Reekie v Attorney-General [2014] NZSC 63 at [31].

4. She could have added that there are no exceptional circumstances justifying dispensation in this case.  Impecuniosity does not suffice.  Furthermore, this appeal does not raise an issue of public importance or significance.  The application to review is dismissed.  Mr Rafiq must pay the sum of $5,880.00 by way of security for costs on or before 3 November 2014.

Solicitors:
Meredith Connell, Auckland for Respondent