Jameel v Abdul Latif Jameel Company Ltd [2003] EWHC 2322 (QB) (07 October 2003)

Jameel v Abdul Latif Jameel Company Ltd [2003] EWHC 2322 (QB) (07 October 2003)

The words complained of are not capable of bearing a lesser defamatory meaning than 'reasonable grounds to suspect' as per the second tier of gravity in Chase. The eleven witness statements are admissible as they are relevant to rebutting the Defendant's evidence and supporting aggravated damages, and do not contravene the principles in GKR Karate. The costs of the discontinued internet claim are to be paid by the Claimants to the Defendant.

Citation
[2003] EWHC 2322
Parties
Claimant: Mohammed Abdul Latif Jameel; Claimant: Abdul Latif Jameel Company Limited; Defendant: Wall St. Journal Europe SPRL
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
07 October 2003
Procedural Posture
Libel Action / Pre Trial Review (ptr) With Rulings on Meaning and Admissibility of Evidence
Outcome
Rulings on meaning and admissibility made; costs orders given; permission to appeal refused; internet claim discontinued and costs awarded to Defendant.
Legal Topics
Libel, Meaning of Defamatory Statements, Admissibility of Evidence, Qualified Privilege, Aggravated Damages, Discontinuance and Costs
Defamation Media Law Civil Procedure Libel Meaning of Defamatory Statements Admissibility of Evidence Qualified Privilege Aggravated Damages +1 more

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Parties

Mohammed Abdul Latif Jameel

Claimant

Abdul Latif Jameel Company Limited

Claimant

Wall St. Journal Europe SPRL

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Libel Action / Pre Trial Review (ptr) With Rulings on Meaning and Admissibility of Evidence

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the words complained of are capable of bearing a lesser defamatory meaning than 'reasonable grounds to suspect'
  2. 2 Admissibility and relevance of eleven witness statements served by Claimants
  3. 3 Costs and procedural consequences of discontinuance of the internet claim

Ratio Decidendi

The words complained of are not capable of bearing a lesser defamatory meaning than 'reasonable grounds to suspect' as per the second tier of gravity in Chase. The eleven witness statements are admissible as they are relevant to rebutting the Defendant's evidence and supporting aggravated damages, and do not contravene the principles in GKR Karate. The costs of the discontinued internet claim are to be paid by the Claimants to the Defendant.

Court Disposition

Rulings on meaning and admissibility made; costs orders given; permission to appeal refused; internet claim discontinued and costs awarded to Defendant.

Orders

  • Words complained of not capable of lesser defamatory meaning than 'reasonable grounds to suspect'.
  • Eleven witness statements admissible for purposes identified by Claimants.