This decision addresses the issue of costs following an eight-day trial in a family law matter consolidated with a civil action.
The Applicant (Hardeep Singh Nijher) sought a simple divorce, while the Respondent (Manpreet Dhaliwal) sought spousal support, equalization, and damages.
The trial decision granted the Respondent a small equalization payment but dismissed all other claims.
The Applicant and Defendants (Applicant's family and a friend) sought full indemnity costs.
The court found the Respondent engaged in bad faith conduct by making false allegations of domestic violence and sexual assault, and by initiating a multiplicity of proceedings.
While full indemnity costs were deemed appropriate due to bad faith, the court reduced the total quantum awarded to account for the duplication of counsel for the Applicant and Defendants, and the prior resolution of a separate jewelry claim.
