Ang Sin Hock v Khoo Eng Lim: Conversion, Deceit & Limitation Act

In 2009, Ang Sin Hock sued Khoo Eng Lim and Ajit Singh Hazara Singh in the High Court of Singapore, claiming $270,725 for gemset jewellery misappropriated in 1999. Ang claimed conversion, deceit, and breach of undertaking. Prakash J. dismissed the claim against Khoo, finding it time-barred under the Limitation Act. Judgment had already been entered against Singh. The court determined that Ang was the beneficial owner of the jewellery business, REDS Gemstones and Fine Jewelry, despite his wife being the registered proprietor.

1. Case Overview

1.1 Court

High Court

1.2 Outcome

Claim dismissed with costs.

1.3 Case Type

Civil

1.4 Judgment Type

Judgment reserved.

1.5 Jurisdiction

Singapore

1.6 Description

Ang Sin Hock sues Khoo Eng Lim for conversion and deceit over a failed jewellery transaction. The court found the claim time-barred.

1.7 Decision Date

2. Parties and Outcomes

Party NameRoleTypeOutcomeOutcome TypeCounsels
Ang Sin HockPlaintiffIndividualClaim DismissedLostA Rajandran
Khoo Eng LimDefendantIndividualJudgment for DefendantWonMichael Loh
Ajit Singh Hazara SinghDefendantIndividualJudgment for PlaintiffLost

3. Judges

Judge NameTitleDelivered Judgment
Judith PrakashJudgeYes

4. Counsels

Counsel NameOrganization
A RajandranA Rajandran
Michael LohClifford Law Corporation

4. Facts

  1. Ang Sin Hock entrusted gemset jewellery to Ajit Singh Hazara Singh in the presence of Khoo Eng Lim for overseas sale in 1999.
  2. The agreement stipulated Ang's share of proceeds would be the jewellery's cost price ($270,725) plus one-third of profits.
  3. Khoo Eng Lim claimed he acted only as a facilitator, not a principal in the jewellery transaction.
  4. Ajit Singh Hazara Singh pleaded guilty to dishonest misappropriation of the jewellery and was imprisoned.
  5. Ang Sin Hock lodged a police report in January 2000, alleging criminal breach of trust and fraud.
  6. Khoo Eng Lim and Ajit Singh Hazara Singh signed an undertaking in January 2000 to pay $270,275 plus interest by February 29, 2000.
  7. Ang Sin Hock commenced the suit on April 17, 2006, seeking $270,725 or damages for the lost jewellery.

5. Formal Citations

  1. Ang Sin Hock v Khoo Eng Lim and Another (Ajit Singh Hazara Singh, Third Party), , [2009] SGHC 179

6. Timeline

DateEvent
Ang Sin Hock met Ajit Singh Hazara Singh.
Ang Sin Hock handed over jewellery to Khoo Eng Lim and Ajit Singh Hazara Singh.
Consignment note prepared for export of jewellery.
Khoo Eng Lim stated jewellery had been sold.
Original deadline for sale of jewellery.
New payment date given.
REDS Gemstones and Fine Jewelry invoice issued to Delta-T & Associates.
Ang Sin Hock lodged a police report.
Undertaking signed by Ajit Singh Hazara Singh and Khoo Eng Lim.
Deadline for payment under the undertaking.
Ajit Singh Hazara Singh arrested.
Ajit Singh Hazara Singh charged in court.
Ajit Singh Hazara Singh pleaded guilty.
Ajit Singh Hazara Singh sentenced to imprisonment.
Letter of demand sent to Khoo Eng Lim.
Suit commenced.
Judgment entered against Ajit Singh Hazara Singh.
Judgment reserved.

7. Legal Issues

  1. Conversion
    • Outcome: The court found that the sale of the jewellery was authorized, and therefore there was no conversion.
    • Category: Substantive
  2. Deceit
    • Outcome: The court held that the plaintiff's cause of action for fraudulent misrepresentation fails.
    • Category: Substantive
  3. Limitation of Actions
    • Outcome: The court found that the plaintiff’s claim against Mr. Khoo is time-barred and must be dismissed with costs.
    • Category: Procedural

8. Remedies Sought

  1. Monetary Damages

9. Cause of Actions

  • Conversion
  • Deceit
  • Breach of Undertaking

10. Practice Areas

  • Civil Litigation

11. Industries

  • Jewellery

12. Cited Cases

Case NameCourtAffirmedCitationJurisdictionSignificance
No cited cases

13. Applicable Rules

Rule Name
No applicable rules

14. Applicable Statutes

Statute NameJurisdiction
Limitation Act (Cap 163, 1996 Rev Ed)Singapore
Penal Code (Cap 224, 2008 Rev Ed) s 403Singapore

15. Key Terms and Keywords

15.1 Key Terms

  • Gemset Jewellery
  • Consignment Note
  • Undertaking
  • Bailment
  • Conversion
  • Fraudulent Misrepresentation
  • Limitation Act
  • Time Barred

15.2 Keywords

  • Conversion
  • Deceit
  • Fraudulent Misrepresentation
  • Limitation Act
  • Jewellery Transaction
  • Singapore High Court

16. Subjects

  • Tort Law
  • Contract Law
  • Commercial Law
  • Civil Procedure

17. Areas of Law

  • Tort
  • Limitation of Actions