Magnus sues over Hindu temple

Lighting specialist Raphael Magnus issued a œ117,000 High Court writ on Monday against Andrews-Weatherfoil, the M&E contractor on the Swaminarayan Hindu Temple project in north-west London.

The move is an attempt to settle a long-running dispute that has pushed Magnus to the brink of bankrupcy.

Magnus said: "I've been given full Legal Aid because my business has been wrecked. I used to have a turnover of œ250,00-œ350,000 a year, employing up to 20 men, but this year my turnover has been zero."

During the 12 months to August 1995 Magnus Services carried out electrical work as a specialist subcontractor to Andrews- Weatherfoil on the Hindu temple complex. Substantial amounts, mostly in respect of extra work and changes to the work, have remained unpaid.

CJ first reported problems on the site (21 December 1995) after Magnus had met the chief sadhu and the treasurer of the temple who assured him that the disputed money had been paid to Andrews.

Magnus's case has been supported by the Confederation of Construction Specialists. John Huxtable, CCS chairman, said: "Andrews-Weatherfoil knew that Magnus was supported by us. It was overlooking the reality if it thought Magnus could be crushed, so its actions are mystifying, he added."

As CJ went to press, no-one at Andrews-Weatherfoil was prepared to comment on the case.