England and Wales High Court (King's Bench Division) Decisions

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE
KING'S BENCH DIVISION
COURT 37
FORDHAM J (IN PUBLIC)

		Royal Courts of Justice Strand, London, WC2A 2LL
		12 February 2024

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FORDHAM J Note: This judgment was produced and approved by the Judge, after using voice-recognition software during an ex tempore judgment.

FORDHAM J:

1. I am adjourning this injunction application, to a one-hour hearing tomorrow afternoon. I can entirely understand why the Claimant's solicitors have chosen to come to Court 37 today to secure an urgent one-hour hearing. But, in the event, I have been able to arrange for this case the alternative of a one-hour hearing here in Court 37 at 2pm tomorrow afternoon.
2. This will afford an opportunity for the Defendant and his solicitors – who are aware of this urgent application and my intentions – to file any written submissions, and to attend the hearing and make any oral submissions to assist the Court, if they wish to do so. This promotes an informed Court, procedural fairness, and – since I will be able to pre-read some documents – the most effective use of Court time.
3. Having announced this course of action, I have now had communicated from the Defendant's solicitors a response which effectively reserves their position as to whether this course will allow a sufficient opportunity for a fully-briefed Counsel and a full response. I am entirely satisfied that the course I have taken strikes the appropriate balance so far as next steps are concerned. I will consider any further representations, as to any matter of substance or procedure, when they are received. But this case will be listed for 2pm tomorrow afternoon.

12.2.24