Spinneys (1948) Ltd. & Ors. v. Royal Insurance Co. - Mr. Justice Mustill - Q.B. - Nov. 2, 1979

Civil commotion - Beirut 1975-1976 - Fire policy - Explosion, Malicious Damage, Riot and Strike endorsements - Special condition 6 exclusions

The plaintiffs owned and operated a large department and food store at Jnah in East Beirut, together with two smaller stores in Ras Beirut. On and shortly before January 22 1976, these three premises were looted, their contents removed and the buildings damaged. The plaintiffs made claims for various losses under four Fire policies, an All Risks policy, a Vehicles policy, a Loss of Monies policy and a Consequential Loss policy issued by the defendants. Liability was admitted subject to the operation of the exclusions relied upon by the defendants. These were principally in respect of loss or damage occasioned by or through or in consequence, directly or indirectly, of civil war, invasion, hostilities or warlike operations (whether war be declared or not), civil commotion assuming the proportions of or amounting to a popular rising, insurrection, rebellion, usurped power, or any act of any person acting on behalf or in connection with any organisation with activities directed towards the overthrow by force of the Government de jure or de facto or to the influencing of it by terrorism or violence, together with Reverse Burden of Proof clauses.