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March 16, 2009 Novena 'exorcism' case Ordered to pay $372,000 By Khushwant Singh Madam Amutha Valli Krishnan had unsuccessfully sued the church, two priests and six church goers for psychiatric ailments resulting from what she claimed was an exorcism ritual. -- ST PHOTO: ALBERT SIM MADAM Amutha Valli Krishnan, 53, the woman who lost her suit in the 'exorcism case', has to pay costs of more than $372,000 for taking on the Novena Church. She had unsuccessfully sued the church, two priests and six church goers for psychiatric ailments resulting from what she claimed was an exorcism ritual. She may have to pay a further $92,600 in disbursements if the Supreme Court registrar orders her to. After meeting her lawyer, Mr R.S. Bajwa, as well as the lawyers for the defendants in chambers on Monday, Justice Lee Seiu Kin ordered Madam Valli to pay the six church goers $300,000 in costs and disbursements, which include court filing fees and other paperwork. She also has to pay $67,700 for disbursements to the church and Father Simon Tan, and another $5,000 for disbursements to Father Jacob Ong. Other disbursements, amounting to $34,600 for the church and Father Simon, and $58,000 for Father Jacob, comprising largely of costs in getting psychiatrists to testify for the defence, were referred to the Supreme Court registrar to decide if the amount is fair and should be paid by Madam Valli. Senior Counsel Jimmy Yim, who acted for Father Simon and Mr Tito Issac for the church and Father Jacob had not asked for their fees to be included in the costs. This could probably amount to $1 million for the 32-day trial for the two teams of lawyers. 'If the lawyer does not charge his client fees, then he is not entitled to the costs' said Mr Bajwa. MORAL OF THE STORY - DUN TAKE ON THE HIGHEST COURT, AKA HEAVEN! Serves them bloody right