Contents
Order 1 Preliminary
1 Short title [see Note 1] 21
2 Commencement 21
3 Repeal 21
4 Interpretation 21
4A Exercise of Court’s power 24
5 Order on terms 24
5A Filing and lodging documents 25
5AB Filing and lodging by facsimile transmission 27
5AC Filing and lodging by electronic communication 29
6 Serial number 31
7 Forms 31
8 Relief from rules 31
9 Proceedings wanting or in doubt 31
Order 2 Sittings and vacation
1 Sittings 33
Order 3 Time
1 Month 34
2 Reckoning 34
3 Extension and abridgment 34
4 Fixing times 35
6 Registry hours 35
Order 4 Commencement of proceedings
1 Commencement by application — Form 5 36
1A Certification of merits of application commencing migration litigation 36
2 Parties 36
3 Relief claimed 37
4 Name, address etc 37
5 Notice to appear 38
6 Affidavit or statement of claim — Form 7 38
7 Filing and copies 38
8 Date for directions hearing 38
9 Claim for interlocutory relief 39
10 Endorsement of date 39
11 Time for service 39
12 Alteration of hearing date 39
13 Alteration of date where service less than 5 days before hearing 40
14 Suit in person 40
15 Application for the issue of a summons (Corporations Act s 596A, s 596B) 40
Order 5 Cross‑claims and third party claims
1 Claim by respondent 41
2 Cross‑claim 41
3 Title 41
4 Rules applicable where statement of claim 42
5 Pleading — Forms 8, 9, 10 42
6 Service of prior pleadings — Form 11 42
7 Rules applicable where affidavit 43
8 Cross‑claims by leave 43
9 Cross‑claim after directions hearing 44
10 Service 44
11 Conduct of proceeding generally 44
12 Directions 45
15 Separate prosecution 46
16 Contribution or indemnity 46
17 Offer of contribution 47
Order 6 Parties, causes of action and interveners
1 Multiple claims 48
2 Joinder of parties generally 48
3 Joint right 48
4 Leave under rule 2 and subrule 3 (2) 49
5 Common liability 49
6 Inconvenient joinder 49
7 Misjoinder and non‑joinder of parties 49
8 Addition of parties 50
9 Removal of parties 50
10 Death, transmission etc 50
11 Further conduct of proceedings 50
12 Failure to proceed after death of party 51
13 Representation: concurrent interests 52
14 Representation of beneficiaries by trustees 53
15 Deceased person 53
16 Conduct 53
17 Interveners 54
Order 7 Service
1 Originating process 55
2 Personal service: how effected 55
3 Mode of service 56
4 Ordinary service: how effected 56
4A Service on principal solicitor 58
5 Identity 59
6 Address for service 59
7 Document exchange, facsimile number or email address — Form 12 59
8 Acceptance by solicitor 60
9 Substituted service 61
10 Informal service: confirmation 61
11 Service by filing 61
12 Notice etc by the Court 62
13 Injunction: service 62
14 Service under contract 62
Order 8 Service outside Australia
Division 1 General
1 Definitions for Order 8 63
2 When originating process may be served outside Australia 63
3 Application for leave to serve originating process outside Australia 66
4 Service of other documents 67
5 Application of other rules 68
6 Method of service 68
7 Substituted service 68
8 Proof of service 69
Division 2 Service through the diplomatic channel or by transmission to a foreign government
9 Documents to be lodged with the Court 69
10 Order for payment of expenses 70
Order 9 Appearance
1 Appearance by solicitor or in person 71
2 Time for appearance 71
3 Mode of entry 71
4 Notice of appearance 72
5 Service of appearance 72
6 Conditional appearance 73
7 Setting aside originating process etc 73
Order 10 Directions hearing
1 Directions hearing — general 74
2 Fixing of date 77
3 Determination of proceeding 77
4 Motion for summary judgment, stay or dismissal 77
5 Interlocutory orders 77
6 Motion on notice 78
9 Use of recording device or communication device in place where hearing taking place 78
Order 10A Cross‑vesting
1 Interpretation 80
2 Application of order 80
3 Application under the Act 80
4 Applications for transfer of proceedings 80
5 Proceedings in which jurisdiction under cross‑vesting laws is or may be invoked 81
6 Proceedings transferred under cross‑vesting laws 81
7 Conduct of proceedings 82
Order 11 Pleadings
Division 1 General
1 Paragraphs — Form 7 83
1A Pleading to include name of person who prepared it 83
1B Pleading prepared by legal practitioner 83
2 Facts not evidence 83
3 Brevity 84
4 Documents and spoken words 84
5 Presumed facts 84
6 Conditions precedent 84
7 New fact or matter 84
8 Departure 85
9 Points of law 85
10 Matters for specific pleading 85
11 Tender 85
12 Set‑off 85
13 Admissions and traverse 86
14 Joinder of issue 86
15 Close of pleadings 87
16 Embarrassment etc 87
17 General issue 87
18 Denial to be substantial answer 87
Division 2 Progress of pleadings
19 Times for filing and service of pleadings 88
20 Defence — Form 16 88
21 Defence to cross‑claim 88
22 Reply — Forms 17 and 18 88
Order 12 Particulars
1 General 90
2 Fraud etc 90
3 Conditions of mind 90
4 Damages 90
5 Order for particulars 91
Order 13 Amendment
1 Application of Order 92
2 General 92
3 Amendment of pleading without leave 93
3A Date when amendment takes effect 94
4 Consequential amendment of defence or reply 94
5 Disallowance of amendment 95
6 Duration of leave 96
7 Mode of amendment — directions 96
8 Mode of amendment — simple amendment — Form 19 96
9 Mode of amendment — fresh document 96
10 Service after amendment 97
Order 14 Affidavits
1 Time for swearing 98
2 Form of affidavit — Form 20 98
3 Alteration 100
4 Exhibits and annexures 100
5 Irregularity 100
5A Certificate of compliance — Form 20A 100
6 Use of affidavit 101
7 Service 101
8 Scandal etc 101
9 Cross‑examination 101
Order 15 Discovery and inspection of documents
Division 1 Discovery
1 Notice for discovery — Form 21 102
2 Discovery on notice 102
3 Limitation of discovery on notice 103
4 Co‑respondents 103
5 Order for general discovery 103
6 Contents of list — Form 22 104
6A Discovery of documents 104
7 Absence of privilege 105
7A Supplementary discovery 105
8 Order for particular discovery 105
9 Deponent 106
Division 2 Inspection
10 Document referred to in pleading or affidavit 107
11 Order for production 107
12 Copying of documents produced for inspection 108
13 Production to the Court 108
14 Inspection to decide objection 108
Division 3 General
15 Order only if necessary 109
17 Public interest 109
18 Use of documents 109
Order 15A Preliminary discovery and discovery from non‑party
1 Interpretation 110
2 Privilege 110
3 Discovery to identify a respondent 111
4 Conduct money 111
5 Party an applicant 112
6 Discovery from prospective respondent 112
7 Party an applicant 112
8 Discovery from non‑party 113
9 Procedure 113
10 Inspection of documents 113
11 Costs 113
12 Power to order inspection, preservation etc of property 114
Order 16 Interrogatories
1 Interrogatories by notice — Form 23 115
2 Answers pursuant to notice 115
3 Limitation of interrogatories by notice 115
4 Co‑respondents 116
5 Order to answer 116
6 Contents of statement — Form 24 116
7 Deponent — Form 24 117
8 Insufficient answer 118
10 Answers as evidence 118
11 Public interest 118
Order 17 Inspection of property
1 Inspection of property 119
2 Application and service 119
3 View 119
Order 18 Admissions
1 Voluntary admission 120
2 Notice to admit facts — Form 25 120
3 Admission of documents discovered 120
4 Judgment on admissions 121
Order 19 Motions
1 Application 122
2 Notice of motion — Form 27 122
3 Time for service of notice 123
4 Service 123
5 Absence of party 123
6 Notice of adjournment 123
7 Further hearing 124
Order 20 Summary disposal and stay of proceedings
1 Definitions 125
2 Summary judgment (proceedings commenced before 1 December 2005) 125
3 Stay of enforcement of summary judgment (proceedings commenced on or after 1 December 2005) 126
4 Stay or dismissal (proceedings commenced before 1 December 2005) 126
5 Stay or dismissal (proceedings commenced on or after 1 December 2005) 126
6 Residue of proceedings 127
Order 21 Vexatious litigants
1 Vexatious litigant 128
2 Vexatious proceeding against a person 128
3 Application 129
4 Rescission or variation of order 129
5 Leave to start or continue proceeding 129
Order 22 Withdrawal and discontinuance
1 Withdrawal of appearance — Form 28 130
2 Discontinuance — Form 29 130
3 Costs 131
4 Withdrawal of defence reply etc — Form 30 131
5 Mode of discontinuance or withdrawal 131
6 Service 131
7 Effect of discontinuance 131
8 Stay to secure costs 132
Order 23 Offer of compromise and payment into court
1 Interpretation 133
2 Application 133
3 Form of offer 133
4 Further requirements of offer 134
5 Time for making or accepting offer 134
6 Withdrawal of acceptance 135
7 Offer to be without prejudice 136
8 Offer not to be disclosed to Court 136
9 Failure to comply with accepted offer 136
10 Multiple respondents 137
11 Costs 138
12 Where tender before action pleaded 140
13 Payment of money out of Court 140
14 Notice of deposit — Form 31 140
15 Security to pay into Court — Form 36 140
16 Service 142
Order 24 Evidence taken in Australia or abroad or evidence taken under Part 2 of the Foreign Evidence Act 1994
1 Order for examination of witness — Forms 37, 38 and 39 143
2 Letter of request 143
2A Procedure where orders are made under paragraph 7 (1) (a) or (b) of the Foreign Evidence Act 1994 144
3 Documents for examiner 144
4 Appointment for examination 145
5 Conduct of examination 145
6 Examination of additional persons 146
7 Objection 146
8 Taking of depositions 146
9 Authentication and filing 147
10 Special report 147
11 Default of witness 147
12 Order for payment of expenses 148
13 Perpetuation of testimony 148
14 Exclusion of evidence in criminal proceedings 149
Order 25 Interim Orders
1 Order before commencement of proceeding 150
2 Preservation of property 150
3 Disposal of personal property 151
4 Interim distribution 151
5 Interim income 151
6 Payment before ascertainment of all persons interested 151
7 Terms: time for order 152
Order 25A Freezing Orders
1 Interpretation 153
2 Freezing order 153
3 Ancillary order 153
4 Respondent need not be party to proceeding 154
5 Order against judgment debtor or prospective judgment debtor or third party 154
6 Jurisdiction 156
7 Service outside Australia of application for freezing order or ancillary order 156
8 Costs 156
Order 25B Search Orders
1 Interpretation 157
2 Search order 157
3 Requirements for grant of search order 157
4 Jurisdiction 158
5 Terms of search order 158
6 Independent solicitors 159
7 Costs 159
Order 26 Receivers
1 Receiver and manager 160
2 Address for service 160
3 Security — Form 40 160
4 Remuneration 161
5 Accounts 161
6 Default 161
7 Powers 162
8 Account on death 162
Order 27 Subpoenas
1 Definitions 163
2 Issuing of subpoena 163
3 Form of subpoena 164
3A Change of date for attendance or production 165
4 Setting aside or other relief 165
5 Service 165
6 Compliance with subpoena 166
7 Production otherwise than upon attendance 167
8 Removal, return, inspection, copying and disposal of documents and things 167
9 Inspection of, and dealing with, documents and things produced otherwise than on attendance 167
10 Return of documents and things produced 169
11 Costs and expenses of compliance 169
12 Failure to comply with subpoena — contempt of court 170
13 Documents and things in the custody of a court 170
Order 27A Leave to issue subpoena
1 Application of Order 27A 171
2 Leave to issue subpoena 171
Order 28 Security for costs
1 Interpretation 173
2 Application 173
3 Cases for security 173
4 Manner of giving security 174
5 Stay or dismissal 174
6 Saving 174
Order 29 Separate decision of questions: consolidation
Division 1 Separate decision of questions
1 Interpretation 175
2 Order for decision 175
3 Orders, directions upon decision 175
4 Disposal of proceedings 175
Division 2 Consolidation
5 Consolidation etc 176
Order 30 Setting down
1 Interpretation 177
2 Request to fix date for trial (Form 44) 177
3 Fixing date for trial 177
4 Notice of date for trial (Form 44A) 178
6 Place of trial 178
7 Vacating date for trial 178
Order 31 Juries
1 Notice of motion for jury trial 179
Order 32 Trial
1 Interpretation 180
2 Absence of party 180
3 Default of appearance of both parties 180
4 Conduct of the trial 181
4A Limitation on time etc to be taken for trial 182
5 Record 182
6 Death before judgment 182
Order 33 Evidence: general
1 Witnesses at a trial 183
4 Depositions 183
5 Evidence in other proceedings 183
6 Plans, photographs and models 183
8 Production of court documents 184
9 Consent of trustee etc 184
10 Leading questions to witness 184
11 Privilege 185
12 Production on notice — Form 45 186
13 Attendance and production 186
14 Attendance of prisoner in proceedings before Court or examiner 187
15 Parties in lawful custody 187
16 Notice of intention to adduce evidence of previous representation — Form 144 187
17 Notice of objection to tender of hearsay evidence if maker available — Form 145 188
18 Notice of intention to adduce tendency evidence — Form 146 188
19 Notice of intention to adduce coincidence evidence — Form 147 189
20 Form of expert report 189
Order 34 Court expert
1 Application 191
1A Definition 191
2 Appointment 191
3 Report 191
4 Cross‑examination 192
5 Remuneration 192
6 Further expert evidence 192
Order 34A Evidence of expert witnesses
1 Application 194
2 Definitions 194
3 Evidence by expert witnesses 194
Order 34B Expert assistant
1 Application 196
2 Appointment of expert assistant 196
3 Assistance to be given 196
4 Remuneration of expert assistant 197
Order 35 Judgments and orders
1 General relief 198
2 Written reasons 198
3 Date of effect 198
4 Time for compliance 198
5 Fine 199
6 Dismissal 199
7 Setting aside 200
7A Interest up to judgment 200
8 Interest on judgment 201
9 Judicial notice of order 201
10 Consent orders by filing in a Registry 201
10A Consent orders 202
11 Undertakings 202
Order 35A Order or judgment on default
1 Definitions 203
2 When a party is in default 203
3 Orders on default 204
4 Contempt 206
Order 36 Entry of orders
1 Definition 207
2 When entry is required 207
3 Entry of an order 207
4 Lodgment of orders for entry 208
5 Courtroom entry 208
6 Date of effect 208
7 Authentication of orders 208
8 Service of orders 209
9 Certificate of judgment 209
Order 37 Judgments and orders: enforcement
1 Attendance 210
2 Service before committal or sequestration 210
3 Substituted performance 212
4 Enforcements by or against non‑party 212
5 Non‑performance of condition 213
6 Matters occurring after judgment 213
7 Enforcement as in State and Territory Supreme Courts 213
8 Ex parte application 214
9 Committal — Form 49 214
10 Stay of execution 214
Order 38 Assessment of damages
1 Ascertainment of damages where a matter of calculation 215
2 Certificate of Registrar 215
3 Damages in respect of continuing cause of action 216
Order 39 Accounts and inquiries
1 Account: summary order 217
2 Account or inquiry at any stage 217
3 Account: directions 217
4 Account: form and verification 217
5 Account: filing and service 218
6 Account: notice of charge or error 218
7 Account: allowances 218
8 Delay 218
9 Account: taken before Registrar 218
10 Certificate of Registrar 219
Order 40 Contempt
Division 1 Contempt in the face or hearing of the Court
1 Arrest 220
2 Charge, defence and determination 220
3 Interim custody 220
Division 2 Motion or proceedings for punishment
4 Application 221
5 Procedure generally 221
6 Statement of charge 221
7 Evidence 221
8 Service 222
9 Arrest — Form 48 222
10 Motion or proceedings by the Registrar 222
Division 3 General
11 Warrant — Form 48 223
12 Discharge 223
Order 41 Documents
1 First page of a document — Form 1 224
2 Documents 224
3 Details to be shown on first page of a document 225
4 Numbers 226
5 Scandalous, vexatious or oppressive material 226
6 Signing documents — Form 4 226
7 Signature by electronic means 226
7A Signature by electronic means — Registrar 227
8 Documents filed electronically 227
Order 42 Partnerships and business names
Division 1 Partnerships
1 Interpretation 228
2 Action in partnership name 228
3 Disclosure of names etc of partners 228
4 Service 229
5 Appearance of partners 229
6 Appearance under protest of person served as partner 229
7 Defence 230
8 Entry of order 230
9 Execution of judgment against a partnership 230
10 Judgment against individual partner 231
11 Application to proceedings between co‑partners 231
Division 2 Individuals trading under a business name
12 Interpretation 232
13 Proceedings in business name 232
14 Application of rules 233
15 Service 233
16 Appearance 233
17 Proceeding under either Division 233
18 Amendment as to parties 234
19 Execution 234
20 Variation of judgment or order 235
21 Discovery in aid of rules 18 and 20 235
Order 43 Disability
1 Proceeding by or against person under disability 236
2 Appointment of tutor by the court 236
3 Removal of tutor 236
4 Appointment of tutor generally 237
5 Conduct of proceedings by tutor 238
6 Cross‑claim 238
7 No imputed admission on pleadings 238
8 Discovery and interrogatories 238
9 Compromise etc of matter in suit 239
10 Payment into Court 239
11 Compromise etc before suit 239
12 Terms of approval 240
13 Service 240
Order 44 Interpleader
Division 1 Preliminary
1 Interpretation 242
Division 2 Stakeholder’s interpleader
2 Case for relief 242
3 Application in a pending proceeding 242
Division 3 Sheriff’s interpleader
4 Notice of claim — Form 50 243
5 Notice to execution creditor 244
6 Admission of claim 244
7 Interpleader motion 245
Division 3A Payment pursuant to statutory entitlement
7A Payment pursuant to statutory entitlement 245
Division 4 General
8 Powers generally 245
9 Default by claimant 246
10 Neutrality of applicant 246
11 Order in several proceedings 247
12 Disposal 247
Order 45 Solicitors
1 Power to act by solicitor 248
2 Adverse parties 248
3 Change of solicitor 248
4 Change of agent 248
5 Appointment of solicitor 249
6 Removal of solicitor 249
7 Withdrawal of solicitor 249
8 Effect of change 250
9 Signature for legal practitioner 250
Order 46 Registries
1 Taking of oaths and affidavits 251
2 Seal of Court 251
3 Use of seal 252
4 Stamp of Court 252
4A Affixing the seal or stamp of the Court 252
5 Custody of documents 252
6 Inspection of documents 253
7 Operation of registries 255
7A Refusal to accept document for filing 255
7AA Powers of the Court that may be exercised by a Registrar (Act s 35A) 255
7B Registrar’s exercise of power (Act, s 35A) 256
8 Temporary venue 257
9 Transmission of documents 257
10 Transmission of order 258
11 Summary of order 258
12 Facsimile 258
Order 47 Sheriff
Division 1 General
1 Interpretation 259
2 Suspension of execution 259
3 Default 259
4 Execution: motion for directions 260
Division 2 Fees
5 Security 260
6 Liability of solicitor 260
7 Bill 261
8 Taxation 261
9 Determination 261
10 Default by solicitor 261
Order 48 Fair Work proceedings
Division 1 General
1 Definitions for Order 48 262
2 Expressions used in the Workplace Relations Act, the Fair Work Act and the Registered Organisations Act 262
3 Application of Order 48 263
Division 2 Unlawful termination of employment (Workplace Relations Act)
4 Application in relation to alleged unlawful termination of employment (Workplace Relations Act s 663) 263
Division 3 Unlawful dismissal from, or termination of, employment (Fair Work Act)
5 Application in relation to dismissal from employment in contravention of a general protection (Fair Work Act, s 539 (2), table, item 11) 264
6 Application in relation to alleged unlawful termination of employment (Fair Work Act, s 539 (2), table, item 35) 264
Division 4 Unlawful discrimination (Fair Work Act)
7 Application in relation to alleged discrimination (Fair Work Act, s 539 (2), table, item 11) 265
Division 5 Rules to show cause
8 Definition for Division 5 266
9 Application of Division 5 267
10 Requirements for applications (RAO Schedule ss 163, 164, 164A and 167 and Registered Organisations Act ss 163, 164, 164A and 167) 267
11 Form of rule to show cause — Form 6 269
12 Filing of rule to show cause 269
Division 6 Inquiries and ballots in relation to registered organisations
13 Application of Division 6 269
14 Form of application for an inquiry or ballot 270
15 Duties of District Registrar on receiving application 271
16 Service of application and supporting documents 272
17 Application for interim orders 272
18 Court directions to issue subpoenas 273
Order 49 Proceedings for an offence
1 Prosecutions 274
2 Form of summons, Forms 51 and 52 274
3 Summons in paragraphs 274
4 Appointment of date 274
5 Affidavits as to fine or penalty 275
Order 50 Case stated and questions reserved
1 Definition for Order 50 276
2 Application 276
3 Special case to be prepared etc 276
4 Setting down for hearing 277
5 Setting down for hearing (Fair Work Act 2009 s 608) 277
6 Party having carriage of the proceedings 277
Order 51 Judiciary Act 1903 — section 78B
1 Notice of a constitutional matter — Form 53 278
2 Notices of a constitutional matter 278
3 Affidavit of service 279
4 Additional papers for intervening Attorneys‑General 279
Order 1 Preliminary
1 Short title [see Note 1]
These Rules may be cited as the Federal Court Rules.
2 Commencement
These Rules shall come into operation on 1 August 1979.
3 Repeal
Upon the coming into operation of these Rules, the Federal Court of Australia Rules, being Statutory Rule No. 20 of 1977 and Statutory Rule No. 220 of 1977, are repealed.
4 Interpretation
In these Rules, unless the contrary intention appears:
the Act means the Federal Court of Australia Act 1976.
arbitration means arbitration conducted under an arbitration order.
arbitration order means an order referring a matter to an arbitrator as mentioned in Order 72, rule 1.
arbitrator means an arbitrator to whom a matter is referred under an arbitration order.
Australia or the Commonwealth means the Commonwealth of Australia and when used in a geographical sense includes external territories.
Bankruptcy Rules means the Federal Court (Bankruptcy) Rules 2005.
committee includes a person entrusted under a law of the Commonwealth, or of a State or Territory, with the care or management of the person or estate of a mentally disabled person.
Commonwealth means the Commonwealth of Australia and includes a Territory.
corporation includes any artificial person other than an organisation.
Corporations Rules means the Federal Court (Corporations) Rules 2000.
cross‑claim includes a counter‑claim, cross‑action, set‑off, and third party claim.
directions hearing means a directions hearing appointed in an application pursuant to Order 4, and except for the purposes of computation of time within which acts must be done, includes any other hearing on which the Court gives directions as to the conduct of the proceedings.
document includes any record of information which is a document within the definition contained in the Dictionary
in the Evidence Act 1995 and any other material data or information stored or recorded by mechanical or electronic means.
document exchange means a facility or service through which a member of the facility or service may send a document to another member of the facility or service.
document exchange box means a box in a document exchange.
electronic communication means a communication of information in the form of data, text or images by means of guided or unguided electromagnetic energy, including an email or an email attachment.
email address means the mailing address to and from which an electronic communication may be sent and received using the Internet, an intranet or other similar network.
examination includes where relevant an examination held pursuant to an order made under Order 24, and, in proceedings under Division 1 of Part 2 of the Foreign Evidence Act 1994, includes any proceeding for the taking of evidence of a person conducted by the judicial authorities of a foreign country in relation to a letter of request issued as a result of an order made by the Court under that Part.
examiner includes an officer of the Court or any other person appointed under Order 24, or under paragraph 7 (1) (a) or (b) of the Foreign Evidence Act 1994, for the purpose of an examination before the examiner of any person.
hearing includes any hearing before the Court, whether final or interlocutory, and whether in open court or in chambers.
image means a picture that has been created, copied, stored or transmitted in electronic form.
Judge means a Judge of the Court (including the Chief Justice) and in the expression ‘the Court or a Judge’ means a Judge sitting in chambers.
legal practitioner means a person:
(a) who is:
(i) a barrister; or
(ii) a solicitor; or
(iii) a barrister and solicitor; and
(b) who is lawfully entitled to practise as such in a federal court.
mediation means mediation conducted under a mediation order.
mediation or arbitration order means a mediation order or an arbitration order.
mediation order means an order referring a matter to a mediator as mentioned in Order 72, rule 1.
mediator means a mediator to whom a matter is referred under a mediation order.
mentally disabled person means a person who, owing to mental illness, is incapable of managing his or her affairs in respect of the proceedings.
oath includes affirmation.
organisation has the meaning given by section 6 of the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009.
person under disability means an infant, minor or mentally disabled person.
pleading includes a statement of claim and a cross‑claim to which Order 5 applies and subsequent pleadings, but does not include an application, notice of motion or affidavit.
proper place in relation to any proceeding:
(a) where there has been no transfer means the place at which the proceeding was commenced;
(b) where there has been a transfer means the place to which the proceeding was transferred.
Registrar means the Registrar or a District Registrar of the Court, and includes a Deputy Registrar or a Deputy District Registrar of the Court or other officer for the time being discharging the duties of any one of them, and when used in relation to any proceeding means the Registrar or District Registrar at the proper place.
Registry includes the Principal Registry and a District Registry.
Rules means Federal Court Rules.
Sheriff includes a Deputy Sheriff or any person for the time being discharging the duties of Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff.
solicitor includes a current practitioner within the meaning of subsection 3 (1) of the Legal Practice Act 1996 (Vic).
trial includes any hearing other than an interlocutory hearing.
tutor means a next friend, guardian ad litem or committee of the person or estate of a person under disability.
4A Exercise of Court’s power
Unless these Rules provide otherwise, the Court may exercise a power under these Rules in a proceeding:
(a) on its own initiative; or
(b) on the application of a party, or a person who has sufficient interest in the proceeding.
5 Order on terms
Unless the contrary intention appears, where under these Rules the Court has the power to make an order or do any other act or thing, it may make that order or do that other act or thing on terms.
5A Filing and lodging documents
(1) A document that is required or permitted by these Rules to be filed or lodged may be:
(a) presented to a Registry when the Registry is open for business; or
(b) sent by post to a Registry with a written request for the processing required; or
(c) sent by document exchange by being left, addressed to the Federal Court of Australia, at its box at the Australian Document Exchange, with a written request for the processing required; or
(d) sent by facsimile transmission to a Registry in accordance with rule 5AB; or
(e) sent by electronic communication to a Registry in accordance with rule 5AC.
(2) However, a document may not be sent:
(a) by facsimile transmission if the document (including any annexure or attachment) is more than 20 pages long; or
(b) by electronic communication if the document (including any attachment) is more than 100 pages long; or
(c) by facsimile transmission or electronic communication if it is an affidavit referred to in paragraph 4.07 (b) of the Bankruptcy Rules.
Note Because of the Court’s computer security firewall, the Court cannot accept an electronic communication that is more than 5 megabytes in size.
(3) If a document is required to be signed or stamped, it must be accompanied by the number of copies required, unless it is sent by facsimile transmission or electronic communication.
(4) If the fee for a document to be filed is not payable, the document must be accompanied by a statement of the reason it is not payable and any supporting evidence.
(5) A document presented, or sent in accordance with paragraph (1) (b) or (c), to a Registry that is not the proper place for the proceeding, must be accompanied by a letter:
(a) identifying the proper place; and
(b) requesting that the document be sent to the proper place.
(6) A document is filed:
(a) for a document in an existing proceeding — if it is accepted in the Registry that is the proper place for the proceeding and stamped in accordance with Order 46, rule 4; or
(b) otherwise — if it is accepted in a Registry and stamped in accordance with Order 46, rule 4.
(6A) If a document in an existing proceeding:
(a) is presented to or sent in accordance with paragraph (1) (b) or (c) to a Registry that is not the proper place; and
(b) is sent by that Registry to the proper place; and
(c) is filed in accordance with paragraph (6) (a);
the document is taken to have been filed on the day when it was received by the Registry that is not the proper place.
(7) However, a document sent by facsimile transmission or electronic communication is, if accepted, taken to have been filed:
(a) if the whole document is received by 4.30 pm on a day when the Registry is open for business — on that day; and
(b) otherwise — on the next day when the Registry is open for business.
Note Because of the Court’s computer security firewall, there may be a delay between the time a document is sent by electronic communication and the time the document is received by the Court.
(8) A document must not be accepted, without leave of the Court, a Judge or a Registrar, if it appears to a Registrar that the document:
(a) is not substantially complete; or
(b) does not substantially comply in form with these Rules; or
(c) is not properly signed or executed.
(9) A document must not be accepted if a Registrar, under Order 46 rule 7A:
(a) refuses to accept or issue the document; or
(b) is directed by a Judge to refuse to accept or issue the document; or
(c) is directed by a Judge to refuse to accept or issue the document without first obtaining the leave of a Judge.
(10) If a document sent in accordance with paragraph (1) (b), (c), (d) or (e) is not accepted, the Registrar must notify the sender of the document:
(a) by telephone on the telephone number stated on the document, cover sheet or accompanying request; or
(b) in writing to the postal address or facsimile number stated on the document, cover sheet or accompanying request; or
(c) by electronic communication to the email address stated on the document, cover sheet or accompanying request.
(11) If a document sent to a Registry by post or document exchange is required to be signed or stamped, and is accepted at the Registry, the Registrar must:
(a) if the sender requests that the document be held for collection — hold it for collection for 7 days; or
(b) if the sender does not request the document to be held for collection, or having made a request does not collect the document within 7 days — return the document in the same way it was sent.
Note See Part 2 of the Federal Court of Australia Regulations 2004 in relation to fees for filing documents.
5AB Filing and lodging by facsimile transmission
(1) The Registrar must approve at least one facsimile number for each Registry for the purpose of receiving documents.
(2) A document sent to a Registry by facsimile transmission must be:
(a) sent to an approved facsimile number for the Registry; and
(b) accompanied by a cover sheet clearly stating:
(i) the sender’s name, postal address, document exchange number (if any), telephone number and facsimile number; and
(ii) the number of pages transmitted; and
(iii) the processing of the document required.
(3) If the document is in an existing proceeding, it must be sent to an approved facsimile number for the Registry which is the proper place for the proceeding.
(4) If the document is required to be signed or stamped, and is accepted at the Registry, the Registrar must:
(a) make one copy of the document; and
(b) if the sender requests that the document be held for collection — hold it for collection for 7 days; and
(c) if the sender does not request the document to be held for collection, or having made a request does not collect the document within 7 days — return the document by sending it:
(i) by facsimile transmission to the facsimile number stated on the cover sheet; or
(ii) if there is no facsimile number stated, to the postal address stated on the cover sheet.
(5) If more than one copy is required for issue, the sender of the document must send, or ask the Registry to make, any additional copies required.
(6) A person who sends a document to a Registry by facsimile transmission must:
(a) keep the original document and the transmission report evidencing successful transmission; and
(b) produce the original document or the transmission report as directed by the Court.
(7) If the court directs that the original document be produced, the first page of the document must be endorsed with:
(a) a statement that the document is the original of a document sent by facsimile transmission; and
(b) the date that the document was sent by facsimile transmission.
5AC Filing and lodging by electronic communication
(1) The Registrar:
(a) must approve the formats in which electronic versions of documents will be accepted by a Registry; and
(b) may approve at least one email address for any Registry for the purpose of receiving documents by electronic communication.
(2) A document sent to a Registry by electronic communication must:
(a) be sent:
(i) by using the Court’s Internet home page at http://www.fedcourt.gov.au or the Commonwealth Courts Portal at https://www.comcourts.gov.au; or
(ii) to an email address approved for the Registry; and
(b) be in an electronic format approved for the Registry; and
(c) to the extent practicable, be in a form that complies with rule 7; and
(d) be capable of being printed with the content and in the form in which it was created.
(3) An affidavit may only be filed by electronic communication by sending an image of the affidavit in accordance with subrule (2).
(4) If the document is in an existing proceeding, it must be sent to the Registry which is the proper place for the proceeding:
(a) by using the Court’s Internet home page at http://www.fedcourt.gov.au or the Commonwealth Courts Portal at https://www.comcourts.gov.au; or
(b) by addressing it to an email address approved for that Registry.
(5) Subject to subrule (5A), if the document is required to be signed or stamped, and is accepted at the Registry, the Registrar must:
(a) for a document that, under these Rules, must be endorsed with a date for hearing — insert a notice of filing and hearing in accordance with Form 173 as the first page of the document; and
(b) for any other document — insert a notice of filing in accordance with Form 174 as the first page of the document; and
(c) make one copy of the document (including the notice mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) (whichever is applicable)); and
(d) if the sender requests that the document be held for collection — hold it for collection for 7 days; and
(e) if the sender does not request the document to be held for collection, or having made a request does not collect the document within 7 days — return the document by sending it:
(i) by electronic communication to the email address stated on the cover sheet; or
(ii) if there is no email address stated, to the postal address stated on the cover sheet.
(5A) Paragraphs (5) (a) and (b) do not apply in relation to a subpoena.
(7) A person who sends a document to a Registry by electronic communication must:
(a) keep a paper copy of the document; and
(b) produce the paper copy of the document as directed by the Court.
(8) If the Court directs that the paper copy of the document be produced, the first page must be endorsed with:
(a) a statement that the paper copy is a true copy of the document sent by electronic communication; and
(b) the date that the document was sent by electronic communication.
6 Serial number
(1) The first document filed in any proceeding shall have a serial number assigned to it for the Registry in which it is filed, and that and each other document in the proceeding shall bear that number preceded by a reference to the appropriate Registry together with a reference to the calendar year in which the first document is filed.
(2) A new series of numbers shall be commenced at the beginning of each calendar year.
7 Forms
(1) Subject to subrule (2), the forms in Schedule 1 shall be used where applicable notwithstanding the absence of any specific provision in the Rules in respect of the use of any particular form.
(1A) A reference in a provision of the Rules to a Form by number is to be read as a reference to the Form so numbered in Schedule 1.
(2) It shall be sufficient compliance with these Rules as to the form of any document if the document is substantially in accordance with the requirement or has only such variations as the nature of the case requires.
8 Relief from rules
The Court may dispense with compliance with any of the requirements of the Rules, either before or after the occasion for compliance arises.
9 Proceedings wanting or in doubt
(1) Where a person desires to commence a proceeding or take any step in a proceeding, and the manner or form of procedure is not prescribed by the Act or the Rules or by or under any other Act, or that person is in doubt as to the manner or form of procedure, the Court may give directions.
(2) A proceeding commenced in accordance with the directions of the Court shall be well commenced.
(3) A step taken in accordance with the directions of the Court shall be regular and sufficient.
Order 2 Sittings and vacation
1 Sittings
The sittings of the Full Court in the Court’s appellate jurisdiction shall be held in each year at such times and places as the Chief Justice directs.
Order 3 Time
1 Month
In any judgment or order and in any document in any proceeding, unless the context or subject matter otherwise indicates or requires, month means calendar month.
2 Reckoning
(1) Any period of time fixed by rules or by any judgment or order or by any document in any proceeding, shall be reckoned in accordance with this rule.
(2) Where a time of one day or a longer time is to be reckoned by reference to a given day or event, the given day or the day of the given event shall not be counted.
(3) Where, apart from this subrule, the period in question, being a period of 5 days or less, would include a day on which the Registry is closed, that day shall be excluded.
(4) Where the last day for doing a thing is a day on which the Registry is closed, the thing may be done on the next day on which the Registry is open.
(4A) In calculating the time fixed by these Rules or by any order fixing, extending or abridging time, the period from 24 December to 14 January next following is excluded, unless the Court otherwise orders.
(5) Subsection 36 (2) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 does not apply to these Rules.
3 Extension and abridgment
(1) The Court or a Judge may by order extend or abridge any time fixed by the Rules or by any judgment or order.
(2) The time may be extended under this rule, or any other rule allowing for an extension of time (unless the rule provides otherwise):
(a) before or after the time expires; and
(b) whether or not an application for extension is made before the time expires.
(3) The period within which a person is required by rules or by any order to serve, file or amend any pleading or other document may be extended by consent without an order for extension.
4 Fixing times
Where no time is fixed by the Rules or by any judgment or order of the Court or a Judge for the doing of any thing in or in connection with any proceeding, the Court may, by order, fix the time within which the thing is to be done.
6 Registry hours
(1) The District Registries of New South Wales and Victoria shall be open to the public for business between 10 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon, except on Saturdays, Sundays and other holidays.
(2) The Principal Registry and the District Registries of the States other than New South Wales and Victoria and of the Territories, shall be open to the public for business from 10 in the morning until 1 in the afternoon and from 2 until 4 in the afternoon, except on Saturdays, Sundays and other holidays.
(3) A Registry may in the discretion of the Registrar, and shall on the direction of a Judge, be opened at other times for urgent business.
Order 4 Commencement of proceedings
1 Commencement by application — Form 5
(1) Except as otherwise provided in these Rules all proceedings in the Court’s original jurisdiction shall be commenced by filing an application.
(2) An application shall be in or substantially in the form numbered 5 in Schedule 1.
1A Certification of merits of application commencing migration litigation
(1) For the purposes of section 486I of the Migration Act 1958, a lawyer must not file an application commencing migration litigation unless the application includes, or is accompanied by, a certificate in accordance with Form 56B signed by the lawyer.
(2) In this rule:
lawyer has the meaning given by section 486K of the Migration Act 1958.
migration litigation has the meaning given by section 486K of the Migration Act 1958.
2 Parties
(1) A party claiming relief shall be called an applicant.
(2) A party against whom relief is claimed shall be called a respondent.
3 Relief claimed
(1) An application must specify:
(a) the relief claimed by the applicant; and
(b) if the relief depends on a provision of an Act — the Act and the provision.
(2) Where the claim for relief includes a claim for the determination or direction of the Court on any question, the application shall state the question.
(3) Costs need not be specifically claimed.
(4) Exemplary damages shall be specifically claimed.
4 Name, address etc
(1) An application shall contain:
(a) the name and address of the applicant;
(b) where a party sues or is sued in a representative capacity a statement of that fact;
(c) where the applicant sues by a solicitor, the name, address, telephone number, facsimile number and email address of the solicitor;
(d) where the applicant sues by a solicitor and that solicitor has another solicitor as agent for him in the proceeding, the name, address, telephone number, facsimile number and email address of the agent; and
(e) an address for service.
(2) Where it appears from an application that the applicant sues by a solicitor:
(a) the solicitor shall, on request in writing by a respondent, declare in writing whether the application was filed by the solicitor; and
(b) if the solicitor declares in writing that the application was not filed by the solicitor, the Court may stay the proceeding.
5 Notice to appear
Where there is a respondent, an application shall bear a note that:
(a) if there is no attendance before the Court by the respondent or a legal practitioner representing the respondent at the time and place stated in the application, the proceeding may be heard and an order may be made or judgment given against the respondent; and
(b) before any attendance at that time the respondent must enter an appearance in the Registry.
6 Affidavit or statement of claim — Form 7
(1) The applicant shall file and serve with the application either an affidavit in accordance with Form 20, or a statement of claim in accordance with Form 7, whichever is appropriate.
(1A) However, an applicant seeking to rely on an allegation of fraud, misrepresentation, breach of trust, wilful default or undue influence must file and serve a statement of claim.
(2) The affidavit or statement of claim shall show:
(a) the nature of the applicant’s claim; and
(b) the material facts on which it is based.
7 Filing and copies
(1) Upon an application and affidavit or statement of claim being filed, the Registrar on the applicant’s request shall sign, and affix the seal of the Court to, a sufficient number of copies of the application for service and proof of service.
(2) The serial number of the proceeding shall be endorsed on each document.
8 Date for directions hearing
Subject to rule 9, an application shall state a date for a directions hearing.
9 Claim for interlocutory relief
(1) Where by his application an applicant seeks interlocutory relief, he shall make a distinct claim for that relief.
(2) A date for the hearing of the claim for interlocutory relief shall be endorsed on the application.
(3) Where a date for hearing is endorsed on the application under subrule (2), a separate date for a directions hearing shall not also be endorsed on the application.
(4) At the hearing of the claim for interlocutory relief the Court may give such directions as it thinks fit as on a directions hearing.
10 Endorsement of date
(1) The date for a hearing under rule 8 or rule 9 to be endorsed on the application shall be obtained from the Registry.
(2) Where the Court has made an order abridging time, the application shall bear a note of the order made.
11 Time for service
An application and affidavit or statement of claim shall, unless the court otherwise orders, be served upon the respondent named in the application in accordance with Order 7, not less than five days before the date appointed for hearing pursuant to rule 8 or rule 9 of this Order.
12 Alteration of hearing date
If a date for hearing has been obtained or made, the Court may:
(a) alter the date for hearing to a later date; and
(b) authorise the legal practitioner for a party to make corresponding alterations in any copy for service of any application or notice.
13 Alteration of date where service less than 5 days before hearing
(1) Where an application and affidavit or statement of claim have been served upon the respondent named in the application less than five days before the date for hearing endorsed on the application pursuant to Order 4, rule 8 or rule 9, the Court or Registrar may alter the date to a later date and may authorise the solicitor for a party to give notice to that respondent of that altered date for hearing by posting an altered copy of the application by registered post to the usual or last known place of business or abode of the respondent or to the place at which the application was served if appropriate.
(2) The Registrar may give the authority by telephone or by some other means as the Registrar thinks fit.
14 Suit in person
(1) Subject to subrule (2) and to Order 43 (which relates to disability), any person may proceed in the Court by a solicitor or in person.
(2) Except as provided by or under any Act, a corporation may not, without the leave of the Court, commence or carry on any proceeding otherwise than by a solicitor.
15 Application for the issue of a summons (Corporations Act s 596A, s 596B)
An application for the issue of a summons under section 596A or 596B of the Corporations Act 2001 may be made to:
(a) the Court or a Judge; or
(b) if the Court or a Judge has, under paragraph 35A (1) (h)
of the Act, directed that a Registrar may exercise the power of the Court under section 596A or 596B of the Corporations Act 2001 — a Registrar, including a Registrar sitting in chambers.
Order 5 Cross‑claims and third party claims
Note Order 35A deals with the procedure on default.
1 Claim by respondent
(1) A respondent may cross‑claim against an applicant for any relief to which the respondent would be entitled against the applicant if the applicant were a respondent in a separate proceeding commenced in the Court by the respondent for that purpose.
(2) A respondent may cross‑claim against any person whether another party or a third party for any relief which is related to or connected with the subject of the proceeding.
(3) Without prejudice to the generality of subrule (2), a respondent may cross‑claim for contribution or indemnity.
2 Cross‑claim
(1) A cross‑claim shall be entitled in the proceeding with an addition showing the names of the parties to the cross‑claim.
(2) Order 4, rule 3 applies to a cross‑claim whether the cross‑claim is against an applicant or any other person.
3 Title
On a cross‑claim being filed, a document afterwards filed or used in the proceeding shall be entitled in the manner in which the cross‑claim is entitled.
4 Rules applicable where statement of claim
Rules 5 and 6 of this Order apply where a proceeding is commenced by application supported by statement of claim, or where the Court has ordered that the proceeding continue on pleadings.
5 Pleading — Forms 8, 9, 10
(1) A respondent may file a pleading by way of cross‑claim within the time fixed for filing his defence or any extension thereof.
(2) A cross‑claim under subrule (1) shall be in or substantially in the forms numbered 8, 9 or 10 in Schedule 1.
(3) Where a cross‑claimant cross‑claims solely against a party who claims in the proceeding against the cross‑claimant, the cross‑claimant may add the cross‑claim to his defence.
(4) Subject to Order 11, rule 16 (which relates to embarrassing proceedings and the like), a cross‑claimant may in his cross‑claim plead all or any of the facts on which he relies by reference to the prior pleadings in the proceeding.
(5) A cross‑claimant shall, in addition to pleading any other facts on which he relies, plead the facts showing that the cross‑claim is one to which rule 1 of this Order applies.
6 Service of prior pleadings — Form 11
(1) Where a respondent to a cross‑claim is made a party to the proceeding by the filing of the cross‑claim, he may, by notice in accordance with Form 11 filed and served on the cross‑claimant, require the cross‑claimant to serve on him all or any of the pleadings in the proceeding filed before the filing of the cross‑claim.
(2) A respondent to a cross‑claim may add a notice under subrule (1) to his notice of appearance.
(3) Where a notice under subrule (1) is served on a cross‑claimant then, unless the Court otherwise orders, he shall, within three days after service of the notice or such longer times as may be specified in the notice, serve on the respondent to the cross‑claim giving the notice each pleading mentioned in the notice.
7 Rules applicable where affidavit
Rules 8 and 9 apply where a proceeding is commenced by application supported by affidavit and where:
(a) a cross‑claim is filed before the directions hearing; or
(b) a cross‑claim is filed after the directions hearing and the Court has not ordered that the proceedings continue on pleadings.
8 Cross‑claims by leave
(1) Subject to subrules 9 (1) and (2), a respondent may cross‑claim against an applicant or any other party without the leave of the Court, but may not cross‑claim against any other person not being a party without such leave.
(2) Subject to subrule (4), a respondent shall not cross‑claim against an applicant before he has filed an affidavit in reply to the applicant’s claim.
(3) A cross‑claim shall be in or substantially in the forms numbered 8 or 9 in Schedule 1, and shall be accompanied by an affidavit stating:
(a) the nature of the cross‑claim;
(b) the material facts on which the cross‑claimant relies; and
(c) the facts showing that the cross‑claim is one to which rule 1 of this Order applies.
(4) A respondent who cross‑claims against an applicant only may include the matters referred to in subrule (3) in his affidavit in reply to the applicant’s claim, and need not file a separate affidavit in support of the cross‑claim.
9 Cross‑claim after directions hearing
(1) A respondent desiring to cross‑claim after the directions hearing shall obtain all necessary directions at the directions hearing in relation to the cross‑claim, including the time within which the cross‑claim is to be filed.
(2) A respondent who does not obtain directions pursuant to subrule (1) shall not cross‑claim after the directions hearing without the leave of the Court.
10 Service
(1) Where a respondent to a cross‑claim has, on the date of filing the cross‑claim, an address for service in the proceeding, the cross‑claimant shall, on that date, serve the cross‑claim on the respondent to the cross‑claim.
(2) Where a respondent to a cross‑claim has an address for service in the proceeding, personal service of the cross‑claim on him is not required.
(3) Order 7, rule 11 (which relates to cases where filing operates as service) does not apply to the service of a cross‑claim.
11 Conduct of proceeding generally
(1) Subject to this Order and to Order 11, a proceeding on a cross‑claim shall follow as nearly as may be the course of the proceeding on the originating process in respect of which the cross‑claim is filed.
(2) Subject to this Order and to Order 11, and without limiting the generality of subrule (1), these Rules apply to a cross‑claim and the proceeding arising from it as they apply to the originating process in respect of which the cross‑claim is filed and the proceeding arising from it.
(3) Subrules (1) and (2) apply as if:
(a) the cross‑claim were the originating process in respect of which the cross‑claim is filed;
(b) the cross‑claimant were an applicant; and
(c) the respondent to the cross‑claim were a respondent.
(4) An applicant in an originating process need not enter an appearance to a cross‑claim in the same proceeding.
(5) An appearance entered by a party to the proceeding shall, upon service of a cross‑claim on him, operate as an appearance to the cross‑claim.
(6) A cross‑respondent who has not previously entered an appearance in the original proceedings shall enter an appearance:
(a) where the cross‑claim is served on him before the date appointed for a directions hearing in the application in the original proceeding — before that date; or
(b) in any other case — within 14 days after service of the cross‑claim on him.
(7) Subject to this Order, the trial or hearing and all other steps in the proceeding on the cross‑claim shall as far as practicable be carried on together with the trial or hearing and similar steps in the proceeding on the originating process in respect of which the cross‑claim is filed.
12 Directions
(1) A party to the proceeding may, at any time after the filing of a cross‑claim, move for directions.
(2) On any directions hearing, or on the trial or hearing of the cross‑claim, the Court may:
(a) make any order or direction it may make under Order 10 (which relates to directions hearings);
(b) order that any claim, question or issue in or arising on the cross‑claim be tried in such manner as the Court may direct;
(c) give to a respondent to the cross‑claim leave to defend the claim on the originating process or any other cross‑claim in the proceeding, either alone or in addition to any other party;
(d) give to a respondent to the cross‑claim leave to appear at the trial or hearing of the claim on the originating process or on any other cross‑claim in the proceeding and to take such part in the trial or hearing as the Court thinks fit;
(e) dismiss the cross‑claim;
(f) determine the extent to which the cross‑claimant and a respondent to the cross‑claim shall be bound as between themselves by a judgment (including a judgment by consent or by default) or decision (including a decision by consent) on the claim on the originating process or any other cross‑claim in the proceeding;
(g) pronounce such judgment as the nature of the case may require;
(h) give such directions as the Court thinks fit for having the rights and liabilities of the parties determined and enforced, including any order or direction which may be made or given under this Order.
(3) Order 10, rules 4 to 6 (directions hearing) apply to a motion for directions under this rule.
15 Separate prosecution
A cross‑claim may proceed notwithstanding that judgment has been pronounced and an order made and entered on the originating process or any other cross‑claim in the proceeding, or that the proceeding on the originating process or any other cross‑claim is stayed, dismissed or discontinued.
16 Contribution or indemnity
Where a respondent makes a cross‑claim for contribution or indemnity in respect of a claim against him in the proceeding:
(a) an order on a judgment for the claimant on the cross‑claim shall not be entered except by direction of the Court;
(b) judgment for the claimant on the cross‑claim shall not, unless the Court otherwise orders, be enforced by execution until satisfaction of any judgment in the proceeding against the cross‑claimant.
17 Offer of contribution
Where in any proceeding:
(a) a party (in this rule called the first party) stands to be held liable to another party (in this rule called the second party) to contribute towards any debt or damages which may be recovered against the second party in the proceeding; and
(b) the first party, at any time after he has entered an appearance, makes an offer to the second party to contribute to a specific extent to the debt or damages;
then, if the first party makes the offer without prejudice to his defence, the offer shall not be brought to the attention of the Court until all questions of liability or amount of debt or damages have been decided.
Order 6 Parties, causes of action and interveners
1 Multiple claims
Subject to rule 6 an applicant, whether claiming in the same or different capacities, may, in any proceeding, claim relief in respect of more than one cause of action.
2 Joinder of parties generally
Two or more persons may be joined as applicants or respondents in any proceeding:
(a) where:
(i) if a separate proceeding were brought by or against each of them, as the case may be, some common question of law or of fact would arise in all the proceedings; and
(ii) all rights to relief claimed in the proceeding (whether they are joint, several or alternative) are in respect of or arise out of the same transaction or series of transactions; or
(b) where the Court gives leave so to do.
3 Joint right
(1) Where, in any proceeding, the applicant claims relief to which any other person is entitled jointly with him:
(a) all persons so entitled shall be parties to the proceeding; and
(b) any of them who does not consent to being joined as an applicant shall be made a respondent.
(2) Subrule (1) applies subject to any Act and subject to section 62 of the Bankruptcy Act 1966 and applies unless the Court gives leave to the contrary.
4 Leave under rule 2 and subrule 3 (2)
(1) The Court may grant leave under rule 2 before or after the joinder and may grant leave under subrule 3 (2) before or after the non‑joinder.
(2) An applicant may apply for leave under rule 2 or subrule 3 (2) either before or after the filing of his originating process and may apply without serving notice of the motion on any person on whom the application has not been served.
5 Common liability
(1) Where, in any proceeding, relief is claimed against a respondent who is jointly liable with some other person and also severally liable, that other person need not be made a respondent to the proceeding.
(2) Where persons may be jointly, but not severally, liable and relief is claimed against some but not all of those persons in a proceeding, the Court may stay the proceeding until the other persons so liable are added as respondents.
6 Inconvenient joinder
Where any joinder of parties or of causes of action may complicate or delay trial of the proceeding or is otherwise inconvenient, the Court may order separate trials or make such other order as the Court thinks fit.
7 Misjoinder and non‑joinder of parties
(1) A proceeding shall not be defeated by reason of the misjoinder of a party or the non‑joinder of any person as a party.
(2) The Court may in any proceeding determine the issues or questions in dispute so far as they affect the rights and interests of the parties.
8 Addition of parties
(1) Where a person who is not a party:
(a) ought to have been joined as a party; or
(b) is a person whose joinder as a party is necessary to ensure that all matters in dispute in the proceeding may be effectually and completely determined and adjudicated upon;
the Court may order that the person be added as a party and make orders for the further conduct of the proceeding.
(2) A person shall not be added as an applicant without the person’s consent.
9 Removal of parties
If a person:
(a) has been improperly or unnecessarily joined as a party to a proceeding; or
(b) has ceased to be a proper or necessary party to a proceeding;
the Court may order that the person cease to be a party and make orders for the further conduct of the proceeding.
10 Death, transmission etc
(1) Where a party dies or becomes bankrupt but a cause of action in the proceeding survives, the proceeding shall not abate by reason of the death or bankruptcy.
(2) Where the interest or liability of a party passes by assignment, transmission, devolution or otherwise to another person, the Court may make orders for the addition, removal or re‑arrangement of parties and may make orders for the further conduct of the proceeding.
11 Further conduct of proceedings
(1) Without limiting the generality of the powers of the Court under rules 8, 9 and 10, orders under those rules for the further conduct of the proceeding may include orders relating to:
(a) service of the order and other documents in the proceeding;
(b) amendment;
(c) appearance of added parties; and
(d) substitution of one party for another party or former party.
(2) Where the Court orders that a party be substituted for another party or a former party, all things done in the proceeding before the making of the order shall, unless the Court otherwise orders, have effect in relation to the new party as those things had effect in relation to the old, but entry of appearance by the old party shall not dispense with entry of appearance by the new.
(3) Subject to subrule (2), where a party is added pursuant to an order under rule 8 or rule 10, the date of commencement of the proceeding so far as concerns him shall be the date of filing of the originating process amended so as to add him as a party or, where an amended originating process is not filed, the date of the amendment adding him as a party.
12 Failure to proceed after death of party
(1) Where:
(a) a party dies but a cause of action in the proceeding survives the party’s death; and
(b) an order under rule 10 for the addition of a party in substitution for the deceased party is not made within three months after the death;
the Court may order that, unless, within a specified time after service of the order in accordance with subrule (2), a party is added in substitution for the deceased party, the proceedings be dismissed so far as concerns relief on the cause of action for or against the person to whom the cause of action or the liability thereon, as the case may be, survives on the death.
(2) On making an order under subrule (1), the Court shall give such directions as it thinks fit for service of the order on the persons (whether parties or not) interested in continuing the proceeding.
13 Representation: concurrent interests
(1) Where numerous persons have the same interest in any proceeding the proceeding may be commenced, and, unless the Court otherwise orders, continued, by or against any one or more of them as representing all or as representing all except one or more of them.
(2) At any stage of a proceeding pursuant to this rule the Court may appoint any one or more of the respondents or other persons (as representing whom the respondents are sued) to represent all, or all except one or more, of those persons in the proceeding.
(3) Where, under subrule (2), the Court appoints a person who is not a respondent, the Court shall make an order under rule 8 adding him as a respondent.
(4) A judgment pronounced or an order made in a proceeding pursuant to this rule shall be binding on all the persons as representing whom the applicants sue or, as the case may be, the respondents are sued but shall not be enforced against any person not a party to the proceeding except with the leave of the Court.
(5) An application for leave under subrule (4) shall be made by motion, notice of which shall be served personally on the person against whom it is sought to enforce the judgment or order.
(6) Notwithstanding that a judgment or order to which an application under subrule (5) relates is binding on the person against whom the application is made, that person may dispute liability to have the judgment or order enforced against him on the ground that by reason of facts and matters particular to his case he is entitled to be exempted from the liability.
(7) This rule does not apply to a proceeding concerning property subject to a trust or included in a deceased estate.
14 Representation of beneficiaries by trustees
(1) A proceeding concerning property subject to a trust or included in a deceased estate may be brought by or against the trustees or personal representatives without joining a person having a beneficial interest in the trust or estate and unless the Court otherwise orders on the ground that the trustees or personal representatives could not or did not represent the interest of that person, an order granted or made in the proceedings is binding on that person.
(2) Subrule (1) does not limit the power of the Court to order a person having an interest to be made a party.
15 Deceased person
(1) Where in any proceeding it appears to the Court that a deceased person was interested, or that the estate of a deceased person is interested, in any matter in question in the proceeding and that the deceased person has no personal representative, the Court may:
(a) order that the proceeding continue in the absence of a person representing the estate of the deceased person; or
(b) by order (with the consent of the person appointed) appoint a person to represent that estate for the purposes of the proceeding.
(2) An order under subrule (1), and any judgment or order subsequently pronounced or made in the proceeding, shall bind the estate of the deceased person to the same extent as the estate would have been bound had a personal representative of the deceased person been a party to the proceeding.
(3) Before making an order under this rule, the Court may require notice of the application for the order to be given to such (if any) of the persons having an interest in the estate as it thinks fit.
16 Conduct
The Court may give the conduct of the whole or any part of any proceeding to such person as it thinks fit.
17 Interveners
(1) The Court, at any stage of a proceeding, may give leave to a person (the intervener) to intervene in the proceeding, on the terms and conditions, and with the rights, privileges and liabilities (including liabilities for costs), determined by the Court.
(2) In deciding whether to give leave, the Court must have regard to:
(a) whether the intervener’s contribution will be useful and different from the contribution of the parties to the proceeding; and
(b) whether the intervention might unreasonably interfere with the ability of the parties to conduct the proceeding as they wish; and
(c) any other matter that the Court considers relevant.
(3) The role of the intervener is solely to assist the Court in its task of resolving the issues raised by the parties.
(4) For subrule (3), assisting the Court includes suggesting witnesses to be called by the Court, but does not include filing pleadings, leading evidence or examining witnesses.
(5) When giving leave, the Court must specify the form of assistance to be given by the intervener and the manner of participation of the intervener, and, in particular, must specify:
(a) the matters that the intervener may raise; and
(b) whether the intervener’s submissions are to be oral, in writing, or both.
Order 7 Service
1 Originating process
(1) Subject to the provisions of this Order, originating process shall be served personally on each respondent.
(2) The copy for service shall be signed and sealed as mentioned in Order 4, rule 7.
(3) If a respondent to an originating process:
(a) enters an appearance; or
(b) files a defence; or
(c) appears before the Court in response to the process;
the originating process is taken to have been served on the respondent personally when the earliest of those events occurred, unless personal service on an earlier day is established.
2 Personal service: how effected
(1) Personal service of a document is effected on:
(a) an individual — by leaving a copy of the document with him;
(b) a corporation — by leaving a copy of the document with some person apparently an officer of or in the service of the corporation and apparently of or above the age of sixteen years:
(i) at the registered office of the corporation; or
(ii) if there is no registered office, at the principal place of business or the principal office of the corporation; and
(c) an unincorporated association — by leaving a copy of the document at the principal place of business or the principal office of the association with some person apparently an officer of or in the service of the association and apparently of or above the age of sixteen years; and
(d) an organisation — by leaving a copy of the document with a person apparently an officer of or in the service of the organisation and apparently of or above the age of 16 years at the office of the organisation shown in the records of the organisation lodged with Fair Work Australia under section 233 of the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009.
(2) If a person refuses to accept service of a document, personal service may be effected on him by putting the document down in his presence and telling him the nature of it.
(3) It shall not be necessary in order to effect personal service that the original document be shown.
(4) Despite subrule 2 (1), for the purposes of the Corporations Rules, personal service may be effected:
(a) on a company, as defined in section 9 of the Corporations Act 2001 (the Corporations Act), in any way permitted by section 109X of the Corporations Act; and
(b) on a liquidator of a company, in the way described in paragraph 109X (1) (c) of the Corporations Act; and
(c) on an administrator of a company, in the way described in paragraph 109X (1) (d) of the Corporations Act.
3 Mode of service
A document which is not an originating process and which is required or permitted to be served in any proceeding may be served personally, but unless personal service is expressly required, it need not be served personally.
4 Ordinary service: how effected
(1) Where personal service of a document is not required, the document may be served:
(a) by leaving a copy of the document at the proper address of the person to be served between the hours of nine in the morning and five in the afternoon on any day on which the Registry in that State or Territory is open; or
(b) by sending a copy of the document by pre‑paid post addressed to the person to be served at his or her proper address; or
(c) where any enactment of the Commonwealth or of the State or Territory in which service is to be effected provides for service of a document on a corporation or organisation by serving the document in accordance with such provision; or
(d) if a person to be served has filed a notice for service at an exchange box of a solicitor under paragraph 7 (1) (a) of this Order — by leaving a copy of the document, addressed to that solicitor, in that exchange box; or
(e) if a person to be served has filed a notice for service by facsimile transmission under paragraph 7 (1) (b) of this Order — by sending the document to the facsimile number specified in the notice; or
(f) if a person to be served has filed a notice for service by electronic communication under paragraph 7 (1) (c) of this Order — by sending the document to the email address specified in the notice.
(2) For the purposes of subrule (1), the proper address of a person shall be the address for service of that person in the proceeding but if, at the time when the copy is left or posted pursuant to subrule (1), the person has no address for service in the proceeding, the person’s usual or last known place of business or of abode shall be the person’s proper address.
(3) The time of service of any document for the purpose of any proceeding shall, where the copy of the document:
(a) is sent by pre‑paid post in accordance with paragraph (1) (b) — be seven days after the copy is so sent; or
(b) is left in an exchange box in accordance with paragraph (1) (d) — be two days after the copy is so left; or
(c) is sent by facsimile transmission in accordance with paragraph (1) (e) — be one day after the copy is transmitted excluding Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays; or
(d) is sent by electronic communication in accordance with paragraph (1) (f) — be one day after the copy is sent.
(4) For paragraphs (3) (b), (c) and (d), mention of a day or days does not include a Saturday, Sunday or a public holiday.
4A Service on principal solicitor
(1) Where personal service of a document is not required and the person to be served has a solicitor acting for him or her which solicitor has another solicitor as agent whose address is that person’s proper address the document may be served:
(a) by leaving a copy of the document at the address of the first‑named solicitor; or
(b) by sending a copy of the document by pre‑paid post addressed to the person to be served at the address of the first‑named solicitor; or
(c) where an appropriate notice has been given under rule 7 of this Order by leaving a copy of the document addressed to the first‑named solicitor at the exchange box of that solicitor; or
(d) by sending a copy of the document by facsimile transmission directed to the facsimile number operated at the premises of, or in connection with, the first‑named solicitor; or
(e) by sending a copy of the document by electronic communication directed to the email address of the first‑named solicitor.
(2) The time of service of any document for the purpose of any proceedings shall, where the copy of the document:
(a) is sent by pre‑paid post in accordance with paragraph (1) (b) — be 7 days after the copy is so sent; or
(b) is left in an exchange box in accordance with paragraph (1) (c) — be 2 days after the copy is so left; or
(c) is sent by facsimile transmission in accordance with paragraph (1) (d) — be one day after the copy is sent; or
(d) is sent by electronic communication in accordance with paragraph (1) (c) — be one day after the copy is sent.
(3) For paragraphs (2) (b), (c) and (d), mention of a day or days does not include a Saturday, Sunday or a public holiday.
5 Identity
For the purposes of the proof of service, evidence of a statement by a person of his identity or that he holds some office is evidence of his identity or that he holds that office, as the case may be.
6 Address for service
(1) Unless the Court or a Judge otherwise orders, an address for service for a person must be the address of a place within Australia at which documents in the proceeding may, during ordinary business hours, be left for the person and to which documents in the proceeding may be posted to the person.
(2) If a person is represented by a solicitor, the address for service for the person must be the address of the solicitor or of the solicitor’s agent.
(3) A person may change his address for service by filing a notice of the change showing his new address for service.
(4) A person who files a notice of a change of his address for service shall, on the date of filing, serve the notice on each party to the proceedings.
7 Document exchange, facsimile number or email address — Form 12
(1) A person may, by filing a notice in accordance with Form 12, or by adding a notice to that effect to the person’s originating process (other than a cross‑claim) or notice of appearance, authorise that documents in the proceeding may be served on the person:
(a) if the person’s address for service is the office of a solicitor who uses the facilities of a document exchange — at the solicitor’s document exchange box specified in the notice; or
(b) by sending the documents to the facsimile number specified in the notice; or
(c) by sending the documents by electronic communication to the email address specified in the notice.
(2) A person may:
(a) change the particulars stated in the notice by filing a further notice showing the new particulars; or
(b) cancel the notice by filing a further notice to that effect.
(3) A person who files a notice under subrule (1) (other than a notice added to an originating process or a notice of appearance), a notice of change or notice of cancellation must, on the date of filing, serve the notice on each party to the proceeding.
(4) A change or cancellation of which notice is required to be served under this rule shall not be effective as between the person to be served and another party until the notice is filed and served on that other party.
8 Acceptance by solicitor
(1) This rule applies to:
(a) any originating process; and
(b) any document required or permitted to be served in any proceeding, but not required to be served personally.
(2) Where a solicitor makes on a copy of a document to which this rule applies a note that he accepts service of the document on behalf of any person, the document shall, unless he is shown not to have had authority to act for such person, be taken to have been duly served on that person on the date on which the solicitor makes the note or on such earlier date of service as may be proved.
9 Substituted service
(1) Where for any reason it is impractical to serve a document in the manner set out in the Rules, the Court may by motion in an existing proceeding made ex parte order that, instead of service, such steps be taken as are specified in the order for the purpose of bringing the document to the notice of the person to be served.
(2) Where the Court makes an order under subrule (1), the Court may order that the document be taken to have been served on the happening of any specified event, or on the expiry of any specified time.
10 Informal service: confirmation
Where for any reason it is impractical to serve a document in the manner set out in the Rules, but steps have been taken to bring the document to the notice of the person to be served, the Court may order that the document be taken to have been served on that person on a date specified in the order.
11 Service by filing
(1) Unless the Court otherwise orders, the filing of a document has effect as service of the document on a person, if personal service is not required and:
(a) the person to be served:
(i) is in default of appearance; or
(ii) has entered an appearance but has no address for service in the proceeding; or
(b) there is proof of non‑delivery of the document, being a document sent by the Court to the person’s proper address.
(2) For paragraph (1) (b), the proper address of a person is:
(a) the address for service of the person in the proceeding; or
(b) if, when the document is left or posted the person has no address for service in the proceeding, the person’s last known place of business or of abode.
12 Notice etc by the Court
Where, under the Rules or under an order, any notice or other document is to be given to or served on any party by the Court or any officer of the Court, the notice or document shall, unless the Rules otherwise provide or the Court otherwise orders, be sufficiently given or served in any manner in which a document not requiring personal service may be served under this Order.
13 Injunction: service
Where the Court grants an interlocutory injunction, the party may serve notice of the injunction, if desired, by telegram or letter signed by or on behalf of the Registrar.
14 Service under contract
Where a respondent in any proceeding has, before or after the commencement of the proceeding, agreed that originating process or any other document in the proceeding may be served on the respondent or on some other person on behalf of the respondent in a manner or at a place (whether in or outside the Commonwealth) specified in the agreement, service in accordance with the agreement shall be sufficient service on the respondent.
Order 8 Service outside Australia
Division 1 General
1 Definitions for Order 8
In this Order, unless the contrary intention appears:
Attorney‑General’s Department means the Commonwealth Attorney‑General’s Department.
convention, in relation to a foreign country, means a convention, agreement, arrangement or treaty about service abroad of judicial documents to which the Crown in right of the Commonwealth or, where appropriate, in right of a State, and a foreign country are parties.
foreign country means a country other than Australia.
originating process means an application commencing a proceeding, and includes a cross‑claim in the proceeding against a person who was not previously a party to the proceeding.
2 When originating process may be served outside Australia
Subject to rule 3, an originating process may be served on a person in a foreign country in a proceeding which consists of, or includes, any 1 or more of the kinds of proceeding mentioned in the following table:
| Item | Kind of proceeding in which originating process may be served on a person outside Australia |
| 1 | Proceeding based on a cause of action arising in Australia |
| 2 | Proceeding based on a breach of a contract in Australia |
| 3 | Proceeding in relation to a contract that: (a) is made in Australia; or (b) is made on behalf of the person to be served by or through an agent who carries on business, or is resident, in Australia; or (c) is governed by the law of the Commonwealth or of a State or Territory; in which the applicant seeks: (d) an order for the enforcement, rescission, dissolution, rectification or annulment of the contract; or (e) an order otherwise affecting the contract; or (f) an order for damages or other relief in relation to a breach of the contract |
| 4 | Proceeding based on a tort committed in Australia |
| 5 | Proceeding based on, or seeking the recovery of, damage suffered wholly or partly in Australia caused by a tortious act or omission (wherever occurring) |
| 6 | Proceeding seeking the construction, rectification, setting aside or enforcement of: (a) a deed, will or other instrument; or (b) a contract, obligation or liability; affecting property in Australia |
| 7 | Proceeding seeking the execution of a trust governed by a law of the Commonwealth, or of a State or Territory, or any associated relief |
| 8 | Proceeding that affects the person to be served in relation to the person’s membership of a corporation that carries on business in Australia or is registered in a State or Territory as a foreign company |
| 9 | Proceeding in relation to an arbitration carried out in Australia |
| 10 | Proceeding in which the Court has jurisdiction, seeking relief in relation to the guardianship, protection, or care, welfare and development of a person under 18 years (whether or not the person is in Australia) |
| 11 | Proceeding based on a breach of a provision of an Act that is committed in Australia |
| 12 | Proceeding based on a breach of a provision of an Act (wherever occurring) seeking relief in relation to damage suffered wholly or partly in Australia |
| 13 | Proceeding in relation to the construction, effect or enforcement of an Act, regulations or any other instrument having, or purporting to have, effect under an Act |
| 14 | Proceeding in relation to the effect or enforcement of an executive, ministerial or administrative act done, or purporting to be done, under an Act, regulations or any other instrument having, or purporting to have, effect under an Act |
| 15 | Proceeding seeking contribution or indemnity in relation to a liability enforceable by a proceeding in the Court |
| 16 | Proceeding in which: (a) the person to be served is domiciled or ordinarily resident in Australia; or (b) if the person is a corporation, the corporation is incorporated in Australia, carries on business in Australia or is registered in a State or Territory as a foreign company |
| 17 | Proceeding in which the person to be served has submitted to the jurisdiction of the Court |
| 18 | Proceeding properly brought against a person who is served, or is to be served, in Australia, if the person to be served has been properly joined as a party |
| 19 | Proceeding in which the subject matter, so far as it concerns the person to be served, is property in Australia |
| 20 | Proceeding seeking the perpetuation of testimony in relation to property in Australia |
| 21 | Proceeding seeking an injunction ordering a person to do, or to refrain from doing, anything in Australia (whether or not damages are also sought) |
| 22 | Proceeding affecting the person to be served in relation to: (a) the person’s membership of, or office in, a corporation incorporated, or carrying on business, in Australia; or (b) the person’s membership of, or office in, an association or organisation formed, or carrying on business, in Australia; or (c) the person’s conduct as a member or officer of such a corporation, association or organisation |
3 Application for leave to serve originating process outside Australia
(1) Service of an originating process on a person in a foreign country is effective for the purpose of a proceeding only if:
(a) the Court has given leave under subrule (2) before the application is served; or
(b) the Court confirms the service under subrule (5); or
(c) the person served waives any objection to the service by entering an appearance in the proceeding.
(2) The Court may give leave to a party to serve an originating process on a person in a foreign country in accordance with a convention or the law of the foreign country, on such terms and conditions as it considers appropriate, if the Court is satisfied that:
(a) the Court has jurisdiction in the proceeding; and
(b) the proceeding is of a kind mentioned in rule 2; and
(c) the person seeking leave has a prima facie case for the relief claimed by the person in the proceeding.
Note The law of a foreign country may permit service through the diplomatic channel or service by a private agent.
(3) The evidence on an application for leave under subrule (2) must include the following:
(a) the name of the foreign country where the person to be served is or is likely to be;
(b) the proposed method of service;
(c) a statement that the proposed method of service is permitted by:
(i) if a convention applies — the convention; or
(ii) in any other case — the law of the foreign country.
(4) Nothing in this rule prevents the Court from giving leave to a person to give notice, in a foreign country, of a proceeding in the Court on the basis that giving the notice takes the place of serving the originating process in the proceeding.
(5) If an originating process was served on a person in a foreign country without the leave of the Court, the Court may, by order, confirm the service if the Court is satisfied that:
(a) paragraphs (2) (a), (b) and (c) apply to the proceeding; and
(b) the service was permitted by:
(i) if a convention applies — the convention; or
(ii) in any other case — the law of the foreign country; and
(c) the failure to apply for leave is sufficiently explained.
4 Service of other documents
(1) The Court may give leave to a party to serve a document issued by the Court (other than an originating process) on a person in a foreign country in accordance with a convention or the law of the foreign country, on such terms and conditions as it considers appropriate.
Note The law of a foreign country may permit service through the diplomatic channel or service by a private agent.
(2) The evidence on an application for leave under subrule (1) must include the information mentioned in paragraphs 3 (3) (a) to (c).
(3) If a document (other than an originating process) was served on a person in a foreign country without the leave of the Court, the Court may confirm the service if the Court is satisfied that:
(a) the service was permitted by:
(i) if a convention applies — the convention; or
(ii) in any other case — the law of the foreign country; and
(b) the failure to apply for leave is sufficiently explained.
5 Application of other rules
The other Orders of these Rules apply to service of a document on a person in a foreign country in the same way as they apply to service on a person in Australia, so far as they are:
(a) relevant and not inconsistent with this Order; and
(b) not inconsistent with:
(i) if a convention applies — the convention; or
(ii) in any other case — the law of the foreign country.
6 Method of service
A document that is to be served on a person in a foreign country need not be served personally on the person if it is served on the person in accordance with the law of the foreign country.
7 Substituted service
(1) This rule applies if an official certificate or declaration (whether made on oath or otherwise) is sent to the Court by the government or a court of a foreign country stating that attempts to serve a document on a person in the foreign country, in accordance with a convention or through the diplomatic channel, have not been successful.
(2) On application by the person seeking service, the Court may order such steps be taken, as are specified in an order, for the purpose of bringing the document to the notice of the person to be served.
(3) If the Court makes an order under subrule (2), the Court may order that a document is taken to have been served when a specified event happens or on the expiry of a specified time.
8 Proof of service
(1) An official certificate or declaration (whether made on oath or otherwise) stating that a document has been personally served on a person in a foreign country, or served on the person in another way in accordance with the law of the foreign country, is sufficient proof of the service of the document.
(2) If filed, the certificate or declaration:
(a) is taken to be a record of the service of the document; and
(b) has effect as if it were an affidavit of service.
Division 2 Service through the diplomatic channel or by transmission to a foreign government
9 Documents to be lodged with the Court
(1) This rule applies if a person has been given leave to serve a document on a person in a foreign country:
(a) through the diplomatic channel; or
(b) by transmission to a foreign government in accordance with a convention (the relevant convention).
(2) The person given leave must lodge in the District Registry:
(a) a request for service in accordance with Form 14A; and
(b) a request for transmission in accordance with Form 14B; and
(c) a written undertaking by the person, or the person’s legal practitioner, to pay to the Registrar the amount of the expenses incurred by the Court in giving effect to the person’s request; and
(d) 2 copies (or such other number of copies as may be required by the relevant convention) of each document to be served; and
(e) if necessary, a translation into an official language of the foreign country (including a statement by the translator attesting to the accuracy of the translation) of the following:
(i) the request for transmission mentioned in paragraph (b);
(ii) each document to be served.
10 Order for payment of expenses
(1) This rule applies if:
(a) a person files an undertaking under paragraph 9 (2) (c) in relation to a request for service on a person in a foreign country in accordance with a convention or through the diplomatic channel; and
(b) the person does not, within 14 days after being sent an account for expenses incurred in relation to the request, pay to the Registrar the amount of the expenses.
(2) On application by the Registrar, the Court may:
(a) order the person to pay the amount of the expenses to the Registrar; and
(b) stay the proceeding, so far as it concerns the whole or any part of a claim for relief by the person, until the amount of the expenses is paid.
Order 9 Appearance
1 Appearance by solicitor or in person
(1) A respondent may enter an appearance and may defend a proceeding by a solicitor or in person.
(2) Where a respondent is a person under disability subrule (1) has effect subject to Order 43.
(3) Notwithstanding subrule (1) and subject to any Act, a corporation may not without the leave of the Court or a Judge enter an appearance or defend any proceeding except by a solicitor.
(4) For the purposes of this Order respondent includes a person who is required to enter an appearance but is not named as a respondent.
2 Time for appearance
(1) Subject to these Rules a respondent shall enter an appearance before the date appointed for a directions hearing and before filing any document.
(2) Notwithstanding subrule (1) a respondent who has not entered an appearance by the date appointed for a directions hearing, may enter an appearance after that date without leave.
3 Mode of entry
(1) An appearance shall be entered by filing a notice of appearance in accordance with Form 15.
(2) Two or more persons entering an appearance by the same solicitor on the same date may do so by a single notice of appearance.
(3) The date of entry of an appearance shall be the date when notice of the appearance is received in the Registry.
(4) On the filing of the notice of appearance, the Registrar must:
(a) affix the stamp of the Court to the notice and to any copies of the notice; and
(b) write the date when the stamp has been affixed on the notice and on any other copies; and
(c) return the documents to the person entering the appearance.
4 Notice of appearance
(1) A notice of appearance shall show:
(a) the name and address of the person entering the appearance;
(b) where the person entering the appearance appears by a solicitor, the name, address and telephone number of the solicitor;
(c) where the person entering the appearance appears by a solicitor and that solicitor has another solicitor as agent for him in the proceeding, the name, address and telephone number of the agent; and
(d) an address for service in accordance with rule 6 of Order 7.
(2) Where an address shown in a notice of appearance by which a respondent enters an appearance is not genuine, the applicant may, with the leave of the Court, continue the proceeding as if the appearance had not been entered.
5 Service of appearance
A respondent shall, upon receiving the copies of the notice of appearance stamped with the stamp of the Registry, forthwith serve on the applicant at his place for service one of the copies so received.
6 Conditional appearance
(1) A respondent may enter a conditional appearance.
(2) A conditional appearance shall have effect for all purposes as an unconditional appearance, unless the Court otherwise orders or the respondent applies under and in accordance with rule 7 and the Court makes an order under that rule.
7 Setting aside originating process etc
(1) The Court may make an order:
(a) setting aside an originating process; or
(b) setting aside the service of an originating process on the respondent; or
(c) declaring that an originating process has not been duly served on the respondent; or
(d) discharging any order giving leave to serve an originating process outside Australia or confirming service of an originating process outside Australia.
(2) A respondent applying for an order under subrule (1) must file and serve the notice of motion:
(a) before the respondent enters an appearance; or
(b) within 14 days after the respondent enters a conditional appearance.
Order 10 Directions hearing
Note Order 35A deals with the procedure on default.
1 Directions hearing — general
(1) On a directions hearing the Court shall give such directions with respect to the conduct of the proceeding as it thinks proper.
(1A) In any proceeding which is to be heard by a Full Court, whether in the original or appellate jurisdiction, such directions as is thought proper with respect to the conduct of the proceeding may be given by the Court constituted by a single Judge.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subrule (1) or (1A) the Court may:
(a) make orders with respect to:
(i) discovery and inspection of documents;
(ii) interrogatories;
(iii) inspections of real or personal property;
(iv) admissions of fact or of documents;
(v) the defining of the issues by pleadings or otherwise;
(vi) the standing of affidavits as pleadings;
(vii) the joinder of parties;
(viii) the mode and sufficiency of service;
(ix) amendments;
(x) cross‑claims;
(xi) the filing of affidavits;
(xii) the giving of particulars;
(xiii) the place, time and mode of hearing;
(xiv) the giving of evidence at the hearing, including whether evidence of witnesses in chief shall be given orally or by affidavit, or both;
(xv) the disclosure of reports of experts;
(xvi) costs;
(xvii) the filing and exchange of signed statements of evidence of intended witnesses and their use in evidence at the hearing;
(xviii) the taking of evidence and receipt of submissions
by video link, or audio link, or electronic communication, or such other means as the Court considers appropriate;
(xix) the proportion in which the parties are to bear
the costs (if any) of taking evidence or making submissions in accordance with a direction under subparagraph (xviii); and
(xx) the use of assisted dispute resolution (including mediation) to assist in the conduct and resolution of all or part of the proceeding.
(aa) where, in any proceeding commenced in respect of any alleged or threatened breach of a provision of Part IV of the Trade Practices Act 1974, an order pursuant to section 80 of that Act is sought, direct that notice be given of the order sought by public advertisement or in such other form as the Court directs;
(b) notwithstanding that the application is supported by a statement of claim, order that the proceeding continue on affidavits;
(c) order that evidence of a particular fact or facts be given at the hearing:
(i) by statement on oath upon information and belief;
(ii) by production of documents or entries in books;
(iii) by copies of documents or entries; or
(iv) otherwise as the Court directs;
(ca) order that an agreed bundle of documents be prepared by the parties;
(cab) direct that the parties give consideration to jointly instructing an expert to provide to the parties a report of the expert’s opinion in relation to a particular issue or issues in the proceeding, on the basis that the parties concerned will be jointly responsible to pay the expert’s fees and expenses;
(d) order that no more than a specified number of expert witnesses may be called;
(da) order that the reports of experts be exchanged;
(e) appoint a court expert in accordance with Order 34, rule 2;
(f) direct that the proceeding be transferred to a place at which there is a Registry other than the then proper place. Where the proceeding is so transferred, the Registrar at the proper place from which the proceeding is transferred shall transmit all documents in his charge relating to the proceeding to the Registrar at the proper place to which the proceeding is transferred;
(g) order, under Order 72, that proceedings, part of proceedings or a matter arising out of proceedings be referred to a mediator or arbitrator;
(h) order that the parties attend before a Registrar for a conference with a view to satisfying the Registrar that all reasonable steps to achieve a negotiated outcome of the proceedings have been taken, or otherwise clarifying the real issues in dispute so that appropriate directions may be made for the disposition of the matter, or otherwise to shorten the time taken in preparation for and at the trial;
(i) in a case in which the Court considers it appropriate, direct the parties to attend a case management conference with a Judge or Registrar to consider the most economic and efficient means of bringing the proceedings to trial and of conducting the trial, at which conference the Judge or Registrar may give further directions;
(j) in proceedings in which a party seeks to rely on the opinion of a person involving a subject in which the person has specialist qualifications, direct that all or part of such opinion be received by way of submission in such manner and form as the Court may think fit, whether or not the opinion would be admissible as evidence.
(3) The Court may revoke or vary any order made under (1), (1A) or (2).
(4) Paragraph (aa) of subrule (2) does not limit the power of the Court to direct at any stage of the proceeding that such notice be given.
2 Fixing of date
(1) On the directions hearing the Court may:
(a) fix a date for a further directions hearing;
(b) fix a date for trial;
(c) direct the parties to arrange with the Registrar a date for trial;
(d) fix a date after which either party may request a date for trial; or
(e) stand the matter out of the list.
3 Determination of proceeding
If the Court thinks fit and the parties agree, the Court may hear and determine the proceeding on a directions hearing.
4 Motion for summary judgment, stay or dismissal
(1) A party may, at the directions hearing, move for:
(a) an order under Order 20, rule 4 or 5; or
(b) judgment under Order 20, rule 2 or section 31A of the Act.
(2) The party must serve notice of the motion on each other party to the proceeding at least 3 days before the directions hearing.
(3) The Court may dispense with service under subrule (2).
5 Interlocutory orders
On a directions hearing, each party shall, so far as is practicable, apply for any interlocutory order or directions which he may require.
6 Motion on notice
A party may move on notice for any interlocutory order or directions not made at the directions hearing appointed in the application.
9 Use of recording device or communication device in place where hearing taking place
(1) In this rule:
communication device includes a mobile telephone, audio link, video link and any other electronic communication equipment.
recording device means a device that is capable of being used to record images or sound (including a camera, tape recorder, video recorder, mobile telephone and digital audio recorder).
(2) Except with the leave of the Court or a Judge, a person must not use a communication device or recording device in a place where a hearing is taking place.
(3) An application for leave under subrule (2) may be made to the Court or a Judge at any time before the date of the hearing in which the communication device or recording device is sought to be used.
(4) The Court or a Judge may:
(a) grant leave under subrule (2) subject to any conditions that the Court or Judge considers appropriate; and
(b) either generally or in relation to a particular part of a hearing:
(i) withdraw such leave; or
(ii) impose new conditions or vary or remove any existing conditions to which such leave is subject.
(5) In considering whether to grant leave under subrule (2) for the use of a communication device or recording device, the Court or a Judge may have regard to any relevant matter including the following:
(a) whether the person seeking leave has a reasonable need to use the device in relation to the hearing;
(b) if a direction has been given excluding one or more witnesses from the Court, the risk that the device could be used for the purpose of briefing a witness out of court;
(c) any possibility that use of the device would disturb the hearing or distract or cause concern to a witness or other participant in the hearing.
(6) This rule does not prevent:
(a) the making of, or the use of a recording device for the purpose of making, an official transcript of a hearing; or
(b) the use of a communication device for the purpose of allowing a person to appear before, or make a submission to, the Court or a Judge.
(7) This rule does not limit the powers of the Court to punish for contempt.
Order 10A Cross‑vesting
1 Interpretation
In this Order:
the Act means the Jurisdiction of Courts (Cross‑vesting) Act 1987 of the Commonwealth.
cross‑vesting law means any law of the Commonwealth or a State or Territory (including the Act) relating to the cross‑vesting of jurisdiction.
special federal matter has the same meaning as in the Act.
2 Application of order
The other Orders of the Rules apply to proceedings referred to in this Order in so far as they are not inconsistent with the Rules contained in it.
3 Application under the Act
(1) An application under the Act for transfer of proceedings shall be made by motion.
(2) The heading of the notice of motion shall refer to the Act.
4 Applications for transfer of proceedings
(1) An application under the Act for the transfer of proceedings shall be heard and determined by a Judge.
(2) If an application for the transfer of proceedings is made by the Attorney‑General of the Commonwealth or of a State or Territory, the Attorney‑General does not, by reason of the application, become a party to the proceedings in respect of which the application is made.
5 Proceedings in which jurisdiction under cross‑vesting laws is or may be invoked
(1) If a party to a proceeding proposes to invoke a jurisdiction arising under a cross‑vesting law, or relies on a cross‑vesting law in any other way:
(a) the statement of claim or the affidavit accompanying the application or a subsequent pleading (in each instance hereinafter called the pleading) shall include a statement of the provision on which the party relies, of the claim in relation to which the party relies on it and of the grounds on which the party relies on it; and
(b) the party shall seek directions as soon as practicable on whether the proceeding should be transferred under the Act.
(2) If a pleading raises a question involving a special federal matter, the pleading shall identify the special federal matter as such and state the grounds on which it is a special federal matter.
6 Proceedings transferred under cross‑vesting laws
(1) On the transfer of proceedings by the court under the Act the Registrar shall send to the proper officer of the Court to which the proceedings are transferred all documents filed and orders made in the proceedings.
(2) On the transfer of proceedings to the court under a cross‑vesting law the proper officer shall enter and number the documents received in respect of those proceedings so that the proceedings are distinguished by year of filing and number.
(3) On the transfer of proceedings to the court under a cross‑vesting law the plaintiff or applicant (as the case may be) shall make an application for directions as soon as practicable.
7 Conduct of proceedings
(1) If the law of a State or Territory may be applied under paragraph 11 (1) (b) of the Act in determining a right of action arising under a written law of that State or Territory, the pleading must identify the right of action and the written law under which it arises.
(2) If a party proposed to claim that the law of a State or Territory should be applied under paragraph 11 (1) (b) of the Act or that rules of evidence and procedure other than those of the Court should be applied under paragraph 11 (1) (c) of the Act:
(a) the party must seek directions on that matter before the proceedings are set down for trial;
(b) the Court may at any time give directions in relation to such matter and may revoke or vary any direction given by it in relation to any such matter.
Order 11 Pleadings
Division 1 General
1 Paragraphs — Form 7
Where a pleading alleges or otherwise deals with several matters:
(a) the pleading shall be divided into paragraphs;
(b) each matter shall, so far as convenient, be put in a separate paragraph; and
(c) the paragraphs shall be numbered consecutively.
1A Pleading to include name of person who prepared it
A pleading must:
(a) set out the name of the person who prepared the pleading; and
(b) include a statement by the person that the person prepared the pleading.
1B Pleading prepared by legal practitioner
(1) If a pleading is prepared by a legal practitioner representing a party, the pleading must, when filed, be accompanied by a certificate in accordance with Form 15B signed by the legal practitioner.
(2) The certificate required by subrule (1) may be incorporated in the pleading that is being certified.
2 Facts not evidence
Subject to these Rules:
(a) a pleading of a party shall contain, and contain only, a statement in a summary form of the material facts on which the party relies, but not the evidence by which those facts are to be proved; and
(b) paragraph (a) has effect subject to this Order and to Order 4 (which relates to commencement of proceedings) and to Order 12 (which relates to particulars).
3 Brevity
A pleading shall be as brief as the nature of the case admits.
4 Documents and spoken words
Where any document or spoken words are referred to in a pleading, it is permissible to state the effect of the document or spoken words without setting out the precise terms thereof.
5 Presumed facts
A party need not plead a fact if:
(a) the fact is presumed by law to be true; or
(b) the burden of disproving the fact lies on the other party;
except so far as may be necessary to meet a specific denial of that fact by the other party in his pleading or failure to plead such fact is likely to cause the other party to be taken by surprise.
6 Conditions precedent
(1) It shall not in any pleading be necessary to make a general allegation of fulfilment of a condition precedent to a right of action.
(2) Any party wishing to deny the fulfilment of any such condition precedent shall plead such denial.
7 New fact or matter
A party may plead a fact or matter that has occurred or arisen since the commencement of the proceeding.
8 Departure
(1) A party shall not in any pleading make an allegation of fact, or raise any ground or claim, inconsistent with a previous current pleading of his.
(2) Subrule (1) does not affect the right of a party to make allegations of fact, or raise grounds or claims, in the alternative.
9 Points of law
A party may by his pleading raise any point of law.
10 Matters for specific pleading
In a pleading subsequent to a statement of claim a party shall plead specifically any matter of fact or point of law (for example, performance, release, any relevant statute of limitation, fraud or any fact showing illegality) that:
(a) the party alleges makes a claim or defence of the opposite party not maintainable;
(b) if not specifically pleaded might take the other party by surprise; or
(c) raises issues of fact not arising out of the preceding pleading.
11 Tender
Where in any proceeding a defence of tender before the commencement of the proceeding is pleaded, the respondent shall bring into Court in accordance with Order 23 the amount alleged to have been tendered, and the tender shall, unless the Court has dispensed with compliance with this rule, not be available as a defence unless and until the amount has been brought into Court.
12 Set‑off
Where a claim by a respondent to a sum of money (whether of an ascertained amount or not) is relied on as a defence to the whole or part of a claim made by an applicant, it may be included in the defence and set off against the applicant’s claim, whether or not the respondent also cross‑claims for that sum of money.
13 Admissions and traverse
(1) Subject to subrule (3) and to Order 43, rule 7 (which deals with persons under disability), an allegation of fact made by a party in his pleading is deemed to be admitted by the opposite party unless it is traversed by that party in his pleading or a joinder of issue under rule 14 operates as a denial of it.
(2) A traverse may be made either by a specific denial or by a statement of specific non‑admission.
(3) Subject to subrule (4), every allegation of fact made in a statement of claim or counterclaim which the party on whom it is served does not intend to admit must be specifically traversed by him in his defence or defence to counterclaim, as the case may be; and a general denial of such allegations, or a general statement on non‑admission of them is not a sufficient traverse of them.
(4) Any allegation that a party has suffered damage and any allegations as to the amount of damages is deemed to be traversed unless specifically admitted.
14 Joinder of issue
(1) If there is no reply to a defence, there shall be an implied joinder of issue on that defence.
(2) Subject to subrule (3), a joinder of issue operates as a denial of every allegation of fact made in the pleading on which there is a joinder of issue.
(3) A party may admit or specifically plead to allegations of fact made in the pleading on which there is a joinder of issue, in which case the joinder shall operate as a denial of every other allegation of fact.
15 Close of pleadings
(1) The pleadings on a statement of claim shall, unless the Court otherwise orders, be closed, as between any applicant and any respondent, on the date of expiry of the last of the times fixed by or under these Rules for filing a defence or reply or other pleading between those parties.
(2) Subrule (1) shall have effect notwithstanding that, on the date mentioned in that subrule, a request or order for particulars has been made but has not been complied with.
16 Embarrassment etc
Where a pleading:
(a) discloses no reasonable cause of action or defence or other case appropriate to the nature of the pleading;
(b) has a tendency to cause prejudice, embarrassment or delay in the proceeding; or
(c) is otherwise an abuse of the process of the Court;
the Court may at any stage of the proceeding order that the whole or any part of the pleading be struck out.
17 General issue
A party shall not plead the general issue.
18 Denial to be substantial answer
When a party in any pleading denies an allegation of fact in the previous pleading of the opposite party, he must not do so evasively or generally, but must answer the point of substance, in accordance with rule 13 of this Order.
Division 2 Progress of pleadings
Note Order 35A deals with the procedure on default.
19 Times for filing and service of pleadings
Where a proceeding commenced by application supported by statement of claim continues on pleadings after the directions hearing, or at the directions hearing it is ordered that the proceeding continue on pleadings, the times for filing and serving pleadings shall, unless the Court otherwise directs, be in accordance with rules 20 to 22 of this Order.
20 Defence — Form 16
(1) Where the application was accompanied by a statement of claim, a defence in accordance with Form 16 must be filed within 7 days after the directions hearing.
(2) Where at the directions hearing it is ordered that the applicant file and serve a statement of claim or points of claim, the defence or points of defence shall be filed and served within 14 days after service of the statement of claim or the points of claim.
21 Defence to cross‑claim
Where a cross‑claim is filed and served pursuant to Order 5, a cross‑respondent shall file and serve a defence to the cross‑claim within 21 days after service on him of the cross‑claim or within 7 days after the directions hearing appointed in the application, whichever is the later.
22 Reply — Forms 17 and 18
(1) Where a respondent serves a defence on an applicant or a cross‑respondent serves a defence to cross‑claim on a cross‑claimant, and a reply is needed for compliance with rule 10 of this Order, the applicant or cross‑claimant as the case may be must file and serve the reply, in accordance with Form 17, within 14 days after service on him of the defence or defence to the cross‑claim.
(2) Where an applicant files both a reply and a defence to a cross‑claim, both must be put in one document, in accordance with Form 18.
Order 12 Particulars
1 General
(1) A party pleading shall state in the pleading or in a document filed and served with it the necessary particulars of any claim, defence or other matter pleaded by him.
(2) Rules 2 to 4 do not affect the generality of subrule (1).
2 Fraud etc
A party pleading shall give particulars of any fraud, misrepresentation, breach of trust, wilful default or undue influence on which he relies.
3 Conditions of mind
(1) A party pleading any condition of mind shall give particulars of the facts on which he relies.
(2) In subrule (1) condition of mind includes any disorder or disability of mind, any malice and any fraudulent intention, but does not include knowledge.
4 Damages
(1) Where a party pleading claims damages which include moneys which he has paid or is liable to pay, he shall give particulars of those moneys.
(2) Where a party pleading claims exemplary damages, he shall give particulars of the facts and matters on which he relies to establish that claim.
5 Order for particulars
(1) The Court may order a party to file and serve on any other party:
(a) particulars of any claim, defence or other matter stated in his pleading, or in any affidavit ordered to stand as his pleading;
(b) a statement of the nature of the case on which he relies; or
(c) where he claims damages, particulars relating to general or other damages.
(2) Without limiting the generality of subrule (1), where a party alleges as a fact that a person had knowledge or notice of some fact, matter or thing, the Court may order that party to file and serve on any other party:
(a) where he alleges knowledge, particulars of the facts on which he relies; and
(b) where he alleges notice, particulars of the notice.
(3) The Court shall not make an order under this rule before the filing of the defence unless, in the opinion of the Court, the order is necessary or desirable to enable the respondent to plead or for some other special reason.
Order 13 Amendment
1 Application of Order
This Order does not apply to the amendment of a judgment or order or draft thereof.
2 General
(1) Subject to the following provisions of this rule, the Court may, at any stage of any proceeding, order that any document in the proceeding be amended, or that any party have leave to amend any document in the proceeding, in either case in such manner as the Court thinks fit.
(2) All necessary amendments shall be made for the purpose of determining the real questions raised by or otherwise depending on the proceeding, or of correcting any defect or error in any proceeding, or of avoiding multiplicity of proceedings.
(3) Where an application to the Court for leave to make the amendment mentioned in subrules (4), (5) or (6) or paragraph (7) (a) is made after any relevant period of limitation current at the date of commencement of the proceeding has expired, the Court may, nevertheless, grant such leave in the circumstances mentioned in that subrule if it thinks it is just to do so.
(4) Where there has been a mistake in the name or identity of a party, an amendment to correct the name of the party may be made notwithstanding that the effect of the amendment is to substitute another person as a party.
(5) Where an order to correct a mistake in the name of a party has the effect of substituting another person as a party, the proceeding shall be taken to have commenced with respect to that person on the day the proceeding commenced.
(6) An amendment to alter the capacity in which a party sues may be made if the new capacity is one which that party had at the date of the commencement of the proceeding or has since acquired.
(7) An amendment may be made even if the effect of the amendment is to add a new claim for relief or foundation in law for a claim for relief (whether by way of substitution for an existing claim for relief or foundation in law or not) if the new claim for relief or foundation in law:
(a) arises out of the same facts or substantially the same facts as those already pleaded to support an existing claim for relief by the party applying for leave to make the amendment; or
(b) subject to subrule (9), arises, in whole or in part, out of facts or matters that have occurred or arisen since the commencement of the proceeding.
(8) Subject to subrule (9), an amendment of a pleading may be made even if the amendment pleads a fact or matter that has occurred or arisen since the commencement of the proceeding.
(9) Paragraph (7) (b) and subrule (8) do not permit an amendment that would have an effect inconsistent with any statute that limits the time within which an action or a proceeding of a particular kind may be brought or instituted.
3 Amendment of pleading without leave
(1) A party may, without leave, amend any pleading of his once at any time before the pleadings are closed.
(2) A party may further amend any pleading of his before the pleadings are closed and without the leave of the Court if he obtains the consent of all other parties.
(3) Subject to subrule (4), an amendment may be made even if:
(a) the effect of the amendment is to add a new claim for relief or foundation in law for a claim for relief, whether by way of substitution for an existing claim for relief or foundation in law or not; or
(b) the amendment pleads a fact or matter that has occurred or arisen since the commencement of the proceeding.
(4) Subrule (3) does not permit an amendment that would have an effect inconsistent with any statute that limits the time within which an action or a proceeding of a particular kind may be brought or instituted.
3A Date when amendment takes effect
Unless the Court otherwise orders, an amendment of a document that is made under rule 2 or 3 takes effect:
(a) if the amendment is made under paragraph 2 (7) (b), subrule 2 (8) or subrule 3 (3) — on the date when the amendment is made; and
(b) in any other case — on the date when the document was first filed.
4 Consequential amendment of defence or reply
(1) Where an applicant amends his statement of claim:
(a) if the respondent has filed his defence, he may amend his defence; and
(b) the time for filing his defence or amended defence, as the case may be, shall be either the time fixed by these Rules for filing his defence or 14 days after service on him under rule 10 whichever expires later.
(2) Where a respondent amends his defence:
(a) if the applicant has filed a reply, he may amend his reply; and
(b) the time for filing his reply or amended reply, as the case may be, shall be either the time fixed by these Rules for filing his reply or 14 days after service on him under rule 10, whichever expires later.
(3) The rights to amend under paragraph (1) (a) and paragraph (2) (a) are in addition to the right to amend under rule 3.
(4) Where the following is the order of events:
(a) a party (in this rule called the first party) files a pleading (in this rule called the first pleading);
(b) an opposite party files a pleading (in this rule called the second pleading) in answer (whether by way of defence, reply or otherwise) to the first pleading;
(c) the first party amends the first pleading;
(d) the opposite party does not amend the second pleading within the time allowed by this rule;
then:
(e) the second pleading shall have effect as a pleading in answer to the amended first pleading; and
(f) Order 11, subrule 14 (1) shall not apply but, if no further pleading between those parties is filed, there shall be, at the close of pleadings, an implied joinder of issue on the second pleading.
5 Disallowance of amendment
(1) If a party amends a pleading under subrule 3 (1), the Court may, subject to subrule (3), by order disallow the amendment.
(2) If a party amends a pleading under subrule 3 (2) but without obtaining the consent of a party, the Court may, subject to subrule (3), by order disallow the amendment.
(3) A person applying for an order under subrule (1) or (2) must file and serve the notice of motion within 14 days after the date on which the amended pleading was served on the person under rule 10 of this Order.
(4) Where, on the hearing of an application under subrule (1), the Court is satisfied that, if an application for leave to make the amendment had been made under subrule 2 (1) on the date on which the amendment was made under subrule 3 (1) or (2), the Court would not have given leave to make the whole or some part of the amendment, the Court shall disallow the amendment or that part, as the case may be.
6 Duration of leave
Subject to Order 3, rule 3 (which relates to the extension and abridgment of time), where the Court makes an order under this Order giving a party leave to amend a document, then, if the party does not amend the document in accordance with the order before the expiration of the period specified for that purpose in the order or, if no period is so specified, before the expiration of 14 days after the date on which the order is made, the order shall cease to have effect.
7 Mode of amendment — directions
(1) Where the Court orders, or gives leave for, the making of an amendment, the Court may give such directions as it thinks fit concerning the mode of amendment and consequential service of the amended document or of notice of the amendment.
(2) Rules 8, 9 and 10 have effect subject to subrule (1).
8 Mode of amendment — simple amendment — Form 19
(1) Where the amendments authorized under this Order to be made to a document are not so numerous or lengthy or otherwise of such nature as to render the document difficult or inconvenient to read, the amendments may be made by:
(a) filing a notice, in accordance with Form 19, specifying the amendments and the matters mentioned in subrule (2); and
(b) where the document to be amended has been filed, writing the alterations in the document.
(2) A filed document amended under this rule shall be marked with a statement specifying the date of the amendment and also, if made pursuant to an order, the date of the order or, if not made pursuant to an order, a reference to the rule authorizing the amendment.
9 Mode of amendment — fresh document
Subject to subrule 8 (1), amendments authorized under this Order to a filed document shall be made by filing a fresh document, amended as so authorized, and bearing a statement specifying the matters mentioned in subrule 8 (2).
10 Service after amendment
Where a document has been served and is afterwards amended, the party making the amendment shall, on the day on which the amendment is made, serve on the parties on whom the document was served:
(a) if the amendment is made under rule 8 — the notice mentioned in subrule 8 (1); or
(b) if the amendment is made under rule 9 — the fresh document.
Order 14 Affidavits
1 Time for swearing
An affidavit for use in any proceeding may be sworn before or after the commencement of the proceeding.
2 Form of affidavit — Form 20
(1) An affidavit must be in accordance with Form 20 and made in the first person.
(2) The body of an affidavit shall be divided into paragraphs numbered consecutively, each paragraph being as far as possible confined to a distinct portion of the subject.
(2A) Each page of an affidavit, including any annexure, must be numbered legibly and distinctively, beginning on the first page of the affidavit with the numeral ‘1’.
(2B) Each annexure to an affidavit must be identified sequentially on the first page of each annexure by:
(a) a letter of the alphabet, beginning with the letter ‘A’ for the first annexure; or
(b) the initials of the deponent followed by a number, beginning with the number ‘1’ for the first annexure.
(2C) The full name of the deponent and the date on which the affidavit was sworn must appear on the first visible page of an affidavit (being the first page, cover page or front cover page, as the case may be).
(3) If the deponent of an affidavit is illiterate, the person before whom the affidavit is sworn or affirmed must certify in or below the jurat that the affidavit was read in his or her presence to the deponent.
(4) Subject to subrule (5), if the deponent of an affidavit is blind, the person before whom the affidavit is sworn or affirmed must certify in or below the jurat that the affidavit was read in his or her presence to the deponent.
(5) Subrule (4) does not apply if the deponent:
(a) has read the affidavit using a computer with a screen reader, text‑to‑speech software or a braille display; and
(b) includes in the affidavit a statement that:
(i) he or she is blind; and
(ii) he or she has read the affidavit; and
(iii) specifies the means by which it was read.
(6) If the deponent of an affidavit is incapable of signing the affidavit because of a physical disability, the person before whom the affidavit is sworn or affirmed must certify in or below the jurat that the deponent signified that he or she swore or affirmed the affidavit.
(7) An affidavit made by a deponent who is illiterate may be used only if:
(a) the affidavit includes a certificate in accordance with subrule (3); or
(b) the Court is satisfied that the affidavit was read to the deponent.
(8) An affidavit made by a deponent who is blind may be used only if:
(a) the affidavit includes a certificate in accordance with subrule (4); or
(b) the affidavit includes a statement in accordance with subrule (5); or
(c) the Court is satisfied that the affidavit was read to the deponent.
(9) Each page of an affidavit must be signed by:
(a) the deponent of the affidavit, unless the deponent is incapable of signing the affidavit because of a physical disability; and
(b) the person before whom the affidavit is sworn or affirmed.
3 Alteration
Where there is any interlineation, erasure or other alteration in the jurat or body of an affidavit:
(a) the affidavit may nevertheless be filed, unless the Court otherwise orders; but
(b) the affidavit may not be used without the leave of the Court unless the person before whom the affidavit is sworn initials the alteration and, in the case of an erasure, re‑writes in the margin of the affidavit any words or figures written on the erasure and signs or initials them.
4 Exhibits and annexures
(1) Any original document to be used in conjunction with an affidavit shall be exhibited and not annexed to the affidavit.
(2) Any exhibit to an affidavit must be identified by a certificate entitled in the same manner as the affidavit and made by the person before whom the affidavit is sworn.
(3) Copies of all documents exhibited or annexed to an affidavit shall be served with the affidavit.
5 Irregularity
Unless the Court otherwise orders, an affidavit may be filed despite any irregularity in form.
5A Certificate of compliance — Form 20A
(1) If, according to the Court file for a proceeding, a solicitor acts for a party in the proceeding, an affidavit that is presented or sent to a registry for filing on behalf of the party must be accompanied by a certificate (a compliance certificate) in accordance with Form 20A signed by the solicitor.
(2) A compliance certificate may be endorsed on the affidavit on or immediately after the last page of the affidavit.
(3) An affidavit that is not accompanied by a compliance certificate must not be accepted for filing without the leave of the Court or a Registrar.
6 Use of affidavit
An affidavit must not be used in a proceeding without the leave of the Court if:
(a) it has not been filed; or
(b) it has been filed but is irregular in form; or
(c) it has been accepted for filing under subrule 5A (3).
7 Service
(1) A party intending to use an affidavit shall serve it on each other interested party not later than a reasonable time before the occasion for using it arises.
(2) The Court may give directions concerning the service of affidavits.
8 Scandal etc
Where there is scandalous or oppressive matter in an affidavit, the Court may order that the affidavit be taken off the file.
9 Cross‑examination
(1) A party may require the attendance for cross‑examination of a person making an affidavit.
(2) A requirement under subrule (1) shall be made to the party filing or proposing to use the affidavit.
(3) Where the attendance of a person is required under subrule (1) and he does not attend, his affidavit shall not be used without the leave of the Court.
(4) Where a person making an affidavit is cross‑examined, the party using the affidavit may re‑examine him.
Order 15 Discovery and inspection of documents
Division 1 Discovery
1 Notice for discovery — Form 21
After a directions hearing under Order 10, any party may, with the leave of the Court and within any period fixed by the Court for this purpose, by notice for discovery, in accordance with Form 21, filed and served on any other party, require any other party to give discovery of documents.
2 Discovery on notice
(1) A party required to give discovery must do so within the time specified in the notice of discovery (not being less than 14 days after service of the notice of discovery on the party), or within such time as the Court or a Judge directs.
(2) Unless the Court or a Judge orders otherwise, a party must give discovery by serving:
(a) a list of documents required to be disclosed; and
(b) an affidavit verifying the list.
(3) Without limiting rule 3 or 7, the documents required to be disclosed are any of the following documents of which the party giving discovery is, after a reasonable search, aware at the time discovery is given:
(a) documents on which the party relies; and
(b) documents that adversely affect the party’s own case; and
(c) documents that adversely affect another party’s case; and
(d) documents that support another party’s case.
(4) However, a document is not required to be disclosed if the party giving discovery reasonably believes that the document is already in the possession, custody or control of the party to whom discovery is given.
(5) For subrule (3), in making a reasonable search, a party may take into account:
(a) the nature and complexity of the proceedings; and
(b) the number of documents involved; and
(c) the ease and cost of retrieving a document; and
(d) the significance of any document likely to be found; and
(e) any other relevant matter.
(6) If the party does not search for a category or class of document, the party must include in the list of documents a statement of the category or class of document not searched for and the reason why.
3 Limitation of discovery on notice
(1) The Court may, before or after any party has been required under rule 1 to give discovery, order that discovery under rule 2 by any party shall not be required or shall be limited to such documents or classes of documents, or to such of the matters in question in the proceeding, as may be specified in the order.
(2) The Court may make such orders under subrule (1) as are necessary to prevent unnecessary discovery.
4 Co‑respondents
Where an applicant claims relief against two or more respondents, and requires any respondent to give discovery under rule 2, that respondent shall serve his list of documents and affidavit not only on the applicant but also on each other respondent who has filed a defence.
5 Order for general discovery
The Court may, at any stage of the proceeding, order any party to give discovery in accordance with rule 2.
6 Contents of list — Form 22
(1) A list of documents required by or under this Order shall, unless the Court otherwise orders, be in accordance with Form 22 and conform to the requirements of this rule.
(2) A list of documents shall enumerate the documents which are or have been in the possession, custody or power of the party making the list.
(3) A list of documents shall enumerate the documents in a convenient sequence and as shortly as possible, but shall describe each document or, in the case of a group of documents of the same nature, shall describe the group, sufficiently to enable the document or group to be identified.
(4) Where a party making a list of documents claims that any document in his possession, custody or power is privileged from production, he shall, in the list, sufficiently state the grounds of the privilege.
(5) A list of documents shall distinguish those documents which are in the possession, custody or power of the party making the list from those that have been but are no longer in his possession, custody or power.
(6) A list of documents shall, as to any document which has been but is not then in the possession, custody or power of the party making the list, state when he parted with the document and what has become of it.
(7) A list of documents shall appoint a time within 7 days after service of the list when, and a place where, the documents in the list may be inspected.
(8) Where a party making a list of documents has a solicitor in the proceeding, the solicitor shall certify on the list that, according to his instructions, the list and the statements in the list are correct.
6A Discovery of documents
A party required to give discovery who has or has had in its possession, custody or power more than one copy, however made, of a particular document is not required to give discovery of additional copies by reason only of the fact that the original or any other copy is discoverable.
7 Absence of privilege
(1) Except with the leave of the Court, a party to any proceeding in the Court may not claim privilege from production of any document on the ground that it relates solely to and does not tend to impeach his own case and does not relate to or tend to support the case of any opposing party.
(2) Leave under subrule (1) shall not be granted except for special cause.
(3) Any application to the Court for leave under subrule (1) may be made without serving notice of the motion.
(4) The Court may, at any stage of the proceeding, order a party to produce a document to any other party notwithstanding that leave under subrule (1) has been granted and privilege claimed in respect of that document.
7A Supplementary discovery
Where a party has been required, or ordered to give discovery, that party shall be under a continuing obligation to discover any document not previously discovered and which would otherwise be necessary to comply with the requirement or order.
8 Order for particular discovery
Where, at any stage of the proceeding, it appears to the Court from evidence or from the nature or circumstances of the case or from any document filed in the proceeding that there are grounds for a belief that some document or class of document relating to any matter in question in the proceeding may be or may have been in the possession, custody or power of a party, the Court may order that party:
(a) to file any affidavit stating whether that document or any document of that class is or has been in his possession, custody or power and, if it has been but is not then in his possession, custody or power, when he parted with it and what has become of it; and
(b) to serve the affidavit on any other party.
9 Deponent
(1) Subject to subrule (2), an affidavit verifying a list of documents of a party or an affidavit to be filed by a party pursuant to an order under rule 8 may be made as follows:
(a) by the party;
(b) where the party is a person under disability, by his tutor;
(c) where the party is a corporation or organisation by a member or officer of the corporation or organisation;
(d) where the party is a body or persons lawfully suing or being sued in the name of the body or in the name of any officer or other person, by a member or officer of the body;
(e) where the party is the Crown or an officer of the Crown suing or being sued in his official capacity, by an officer of the Crown.
(2) Where the party is a person to whom any of paragraphs (1) (c), (d) and (e) applies and the affidavit is to be filed and served pursuant to an order, the Court may:
(a) specify by name or otherwise the person to make the affidavit; or
(b) specify by description or otherwise the persons from whom the party may choose the person to make the affidavit.
(3) Subject to subrule (2), where the party is a person to whom any of paragraphs (1) (c), (d) and (e) applies, the party shall choose a person to make the affidavit who is qualified under the relevant paragraph and has knowledge of the facts.
Division 2 Inspection
10 Document referred to in pleading or affidavit
(1) Where a pleading or affidavit filed by a party refers to a document, any other party may, by notice to produce served on him require him to produce the document for inspection.
(2) Where a notice to produce a document is served on a party under subrule (1), he shall, within 4 days after that service, serve on the party requiring production a notice:
(a) appointing a time within 7 days after service of the notice under this subrule when, and a place where, the document may be inspected;
(b) claiming that the document is privileged from production and sufficiently stating the grounds of the privilege; or
(c) stating that the document is not in his possession, custody or power and stating to the best of his knowledge information and belief where the document is and in whose possession, custody or power it is.
11 Order for production
(1) Where:
(a) it appears from a list of documents filed by a party under this Order that any document is in his possession, custody or power;
(b) a pleading or affidavit filed by a party refers to any document; or
(c) it appears to the Court from evidence or from the nature or circumstances of the case or from any document filed in the proceeding that there are grounds for a belief that any document relating to any matter in question in the proceeding is in the possession, custody or power of a party;
the Court may, subject to any question of privilege which may arise, order the party:
(d) to produce the document for inspection by any other party at a time and place specified in the order; or
(e) to file and serve on any other party a copy of the whole or any part of the document, with or without an affidavit verifying the copy made by a person who has examined the document and the copy.
(2) An affidavit made pursuant to an order under paragraph (1) (e) shall, unless the Court otherwise orders, state whether there are in the document copied any and, if so, what erasures, interlineations or alterations.
12 Copying of documents produced for inspection
A party to whom a document is produced for inspection under this Order may, at his own expense, make copies, including photocopies, of the document subject to any reasonable conditions which may be imposed by the party producing the document.
13 Production to the Court
(1) The Court may, at any stage of any proceeding, order any party to produce to the Court any document in his possession, custody or power relating to any matter in question in the proceeding.
(2) Upon production of a document to the Court pursuant to an order under subrule (1), the Court may deal with the document in such manner as the Court thinks fit.
14 Inspection to decide objection
Where an application is made for an order under rule 11 for the production of any document for inspection by another party or for an order under rule 13 for the production of any document to the Court and a claim is made that the document is privileged from production or an objection to production is made on any other ground, the Court may inspect the document for the purpose of deciding the validity of the claim or objection.
Division 3 General
Note Order 35A deals with the procedure on default.
15 Order only if necessary
The Court shall not make an order under this Order for the filing or service of any list of documents or affidavit or other document or for the production of any document unless satisfied that the order is necessary at the time when the order is made.
17 Public interest
This Order does not affect any rule of law which authorizes or requires the withholding of any document on the ground that its disclosure would be injurious to the public interest.
18 Use of documents
Any order or undertaking, whether express or implied, not to use a document for any purpose other than those of the proceedings in which it is disclosed shall cease to apply to such a document after it has been read to or by the Court or referred to, in open Court, in such terms as to disclose its contents unless the Court otherwise orders on the application of a party, or of a person to whom the document belongs.
Order 15A Preliminary discovery and discovery from non‑party
1 Interpretation
In this Order, unless the context or subject‑matter otherwise requires:
applicant means applicant for an order under this Order.
description includes the name, and (as applicable) the place of residence, registered office, place of business, occupation and sex of the person against whom the applicant desires to bring a proceeding, and also whether that person is an individual or a corporation.
possession means possession, custody or power.
2 Privilege
An order made under this Order shall not operate to require the person against whom the order is made to produce any document which, on the ground of privilege, the person could not be required to produce:
(a) in the case of an order under rule 3 or rule 6, if the applicant had commenced a proceeding against the person;
(b) in the case of an order under rule 5 or rule 7, if the applicant had made the person a party to the proceeding;
(c) in the case of an order made under rule 8, if the person had been served with a subpoena for production of the document at the trial of the proceeding.
3 Discovery to identify a respondent
(1) Where an applicant, having made reasonable inquiries, is unable to ascertain the description of a person sufficiently for the purpose of commencing a proceeding in the Court against that person (in this rule called the person concerned) and it appears that some person has or is likely to have knowledge of facts, or has or is likely to have or has had or is likely to have had possession of any document or thing, tending to assist in such ascertainment, the Court may make an order under subrule (2).
(2) The Court may order that the person, and in the case of a corporation, the corporation by an appropriate officer, shall:
(a) attend before the Court to be examined in relation to the description of the person concerned;
(b) make discovery to the applicant of all documents which are or have been in the person’s or its possession relating to the description of the person concerned.
(3) Where the Court makes an order under paragraph (2) (a), it may:
(a) order that the person or corporation against whom or which the order is made shall produce to the Court on the examination any document or thing in the person’s or its possession relating to the description of the person concerned;
(b) direct that the examination be held before a Registrar.
4 Conduct money
Order 27 rule 3 as to conduct money shall apply in relation to an order under paragraph (2) (a) of rule 3 hereof as it applies in relation to a subpoena.
5 Party an applicant
Rule 3 shall, with any necessary modification, apply where the applicant is a party to a proceeding and wishes to make in the proceeding against a person who is not a party a claim which could properly have been made in the proceeding had the person been a party.
6 Discovery from prospective respondent
Where:
(a) there is reasonable cause to believe that the applicant has or may have the right to obtain relief in the Court from a person whose description has been ascertained;
(b) after making all reasonable inquiries, the applicant has not sufficient information to enable a decision to be made whether to commence a proceeding in the Court to obtain that relief; and
(c) there is reasonable cause to believe that that person has or is likely to have or has had or is likely to have had possession of any document relating to the question whether the applicant has the right to obtain the relief and that inspection of the document by the applicant would assist in making the decision;
the Court may order that that person shall make discovery to the applicant of any document of the kind described in paragraph (c).
7 Party an applicant
Rule 6 shall, with any necessary modification, apply where the applicant is a party to a proceeding and there is reasonable cause to believe that the applicant has or may have the right to obtain against a person who is not a party relief which the applicant could properly have claimed in the proceeding had the person been a party.
8 Discovery from non‑party
The Court may order that a person who is not a party and in respect of whom it appears that the person has or is likely to have or has had or is likely to have had in the person’s possession any document which relates to any question in the proceeding shall make discovery to the applicant of any such document.
9 Procedure
(1) An application under rule 3 shall, unless the Court or a Judge otherwise orders, be served personally on the person concerned.
(2) An application under rule 6 shall, unless the Court or a Judge otherwise orders, be served personally on the person mentioned in paragraph (a) of that rule.
(3) An application under any rule of this order shall be supported by an affidavit:
(a) stating the facts upon which the applicant relies; and
(b) specifying or describing the documents or any class of documents in respect of which an order is sought.
(4) A copy of the supporting affidavit shall be served on every person upon whom the application is served.
10 Inspection of documents
Division 2 of Order 15 shall, with any necessary modification, apply to the inspection of the documents referred to in a list of documents made and served in accordance with this Order as if the list were a list of documents as mentioned in Order 15 rule 2.
11 Costs
(1) The Court may make an order for the costs and expenses of the applicant, a party to the proceeding or a person against whom an order is made or sought, including the following:
(a) the costs of making and serving a list of documents;
(b) the costs of producing a document for inspection in accordance with rule 10;
(c) the costs of complying with an order made under Division 2 of Order 15;
(d) if the order made or sought was similar to a subpoena — expenses or compensation that would have been allowable under Order 27, rule 11 if the order was for a subpoena.
(2) The Court may make an order under this Order on condition that the applicant give security for the costs and expenses of the person against whom the order is made.
12 Power to order inspection, preservation etc of property
The Court may also make an order providing for any one or more of the following matters:
(a) the inspection, measurement, photocopying, preservation, custody and detention of property:
(i) which relates to the subject matter of the proceedings; or
(ii) as to which any question arises in the proceedings;
(b) any of the following:
(i) taking of samples;
(ii) observation;
(iii) carrying out of any experiment;
(iv) making, playing or screening of tape recordings and films and other means of recording sight or sound;
(v) making and reproducing or displaying other instrumental recordings and tracings;
with respect to any such property mentioned in paragraph (a).
Order 16 Interrogatories
1 Interrogatories by notice — Form 23
(1) The Court may, in its discretion, give leave to any party to file and serve upon any other party, within the period limited by the Court for this purpose, a notice requiring the party served to answer interrogatories relating to any matter in question between the interrogating party and the party served.
(2) The notice to answer interrogatories shall be made in, or substantially in, the form numbered 23 in Schedule 1.
2 Answers pursuant to notice
(1) A party required to answer interrogatories shall do so within such time, not being less than 14 days after service on him of the notice under rule 1, as may be specified in the notice.
(2) A party shall, subject to rule 3, answer interrogatories by filing and serving on the party requiring the answers:
(a) a statement in accordance with rule 6; and
(b) an affidavit verifying that statement.
3 Limitation of interrogatories by notice
(1) The Court may, before or after any party has been required under rule 1 to answer interrogatories, order that answers to interrogatories under rule 2 by any party shall not be required, or shall be limited to such interrogatories or classes of interrogatories, or to such of the matters in question in the proceeding, as may be specified in the order.
(2) Where any party has been required under rule 1 to answer any interrogatory, the Court may order that an answer to that interrogatory shall not be required or may limit the extent to which an answer shall be required.
(3) The Court may make such orders under subrules (1) and (2) as are necessary to prevent unnecessary interrogatories or unnecessary answers to interrogatories.
4 Co‑respondents
Where an applicant claims relief against two or more respondents, and requires any respondent to answer interrogatories under rule 2, that respondent shall serve his statement in answer and affidavit not only on the applicant but also on each other respondent who has entered an appearance.
5 Order to answer
The Court may, at any stage of the proceeding, order any party to answer interrogatories either in accordance with rule 2 or in accordance with such directions as the Court may give.
6 Contents of statement — Form 24
(1) A statement in answer to interrogatories required by or under this Order must, unless the Court otherwise orders, be in accordance with Form 24 and conform to the requirements of this rule.
(2) A statement in answer to interrogatories shall deal with each interrogatory specifically either:
(a) by answering the substance of the interrogatory without evasion; or
(b) by objecting to answer the interrogatory on one or more of the grounds mentioned in subrule (3) and briefly stating the facts on which the objection is based.
(3) Subject to subrule (4), a party may object to answering any interrogatory on the following grounds but no other:
(a) where the answering is not required by an order, that the interrogatory does not relate to any matter in question between him and the party requiring the answer;
(b) that the interrogatory is vexatious or oppressive; and
(c) privilege.
(4) On an application under subrule 3 (2) or rule 5 in respect of any interrogatory, the Court may require the applicant to specify on what grounds he objects to answering that interrogatory and may determine the sufficiency of the objection and, if the Court determines that the objection is not sufficient, the applicant shall not be entitled to object to answering that interrogatory in a statement in answer to interrogatories.
7 Deponent — Form 24
(1) Subject to subrule (2), an affidavit verifying a statement of a party in answer to interrogatories must be in accordance with Form 24, and may be made:
(a) by the party;
(b) where the party is a person under disability, by his tutor;
(c) where the party is a corporation or organisation, by a member or officer of the corporation or organisation;
(d) where the party is a body of persons lawfully suing or being sued in the name of the body or in the name of any officer or other person, by a member or officer of the body;
(e) where the party is the Crown or an officer of the Crown suing or being sued in his official capacity, by an officer of the Crown.
(2) Where the party is a person to whom any of paragraphs (1) (c), (d) and (e) applies and the affidavit is to be filed and served pursuant to an order, the Court may, in relation to any or all of the interrogatories:
(a) specify by name or otherwise the person to make the affidavit; or
(b) specify by description or otherwise the persons from whom the party may choose the person to make the affidavit.
(3) Subject to subrule (2), where the party is a person to whom any of paragraphs (1) (c), (d) and (e) applies, the party shall, in relation to each interrogatory, choose a person to make the affidavit who is qualified under the relevant paragraph and has knowledge of the facts.
8 Insufficient answer
(1) Where a party fails to answer an interrogatory sufficiently, the Court may:
(a) if he has made an insufficient answer, order him to make a further answer verified by affidavit in accordance with rule 7; or
(b) order him or any of the persons mentioned in paragraphs 7 (1) (b) to (d) as the nature of the case requires, to attend to be orally examined.
(2) Subrule (1) does not limit the powers of the Court under Order 35A.
Note Order 35A deals with the procedure on default.
10 Answers as evidence
(1) A party may tender as evidence:
(a) one or more answers to interrogatories without tendering the others; or
(b) part of an answer to an interrogatory without tendering the whole of the answer.
(2) Where the whole or part of an answer to an interrogatory is tendered as evidence, the Court may:
(a) look at the whole of the answers; and
(b) if it appears to the Court that any other answer or any part of an answer is so connected with the matter tendered that the matter tendered ought not to be used without that other answer or part, the Court may reject the tender unless that other answer or part is also tendered.
11 Public interest
This order does not affect any rule of law which authorizes or requires the withholding of any matter on the ground that its disclosure would be injurious to the public interest.
Order 17 Inspection of property
1 Inspection of property
(1) The Court may, for the purpose of enabling the proper determination of any matter in question in any proceeding, make orders for:
(a) the inspection of any property;
(b) the taking of samples of any property;
(c) the making of any observation of any property;
(d) the trying of any experiment on or with any property;
(e) the observation of any process; or
(f) the copying of any document or the copying, transcribing or production of any material, data or information stored or recorded by mechanical or electronic means.
(2) Any order under subrule (1) may authorize any person to enter any land or to do any other thing for the purpose of getting access to the property.
(3) In this rule property includes any land and any document or other chattel, whether in the ownership, possession, custody or power of a party or not.
2 Application and service
An order referred to in rule 1 shall not be made against a party or a person not being a party to the proceeding unless an application for such order is served upon that person or the Court or a Judge orders that such service be dispensed with.
3 View
The Court may inspect, or, at a trial, may authorize a jury to inspect, any place, process or thing with respect to which any question arises in the proceedings.
Order 18 Admissions
1 Voluntary admission
(1) A party to a proceeding may, by notice served on another party, admit, in favour of the other party but for the purpose of the proceeding only, the facts specified in the notice.
(2) A party may, with the leave of the Court, withdraw an admission under subrule (1).
2 Notice to admit facts — Form 25
(1) A party to a proceeding may, by notice in accordance with Form 25 served on another party, require him to admit, for the purpose of the proceeding only, the facts or documents specified in the notice.
Form 26
(2) If, as to any fact or document specified in the notice, the party on whom the notice is served does not, within 14 days after service, serve, on the party serving the notice to admit facts or documents, a notice in accordance with Form 26 disputing that fact or document, that fact or document shall, for the purpose of the proceeding, be admitted by the party on whom the notice to admit facts or documents is served in favour of the party serving the notice.
(3) A party may, with the leave of the Court, withdraw an admission under subrule (2).
3 Admission of documents discovered
(1) Where a list of documents is served on a party under Order 15 (which relates to discovery and inspection of documents), and inspection of any document specified in the list is permitted to that party under that Order, then, subject to subrule (2), the following admissions by that party in favour of the party serving the list shall have effect unless the Court otherwise orders:
(a) that the document, if described in the list as an original document, is an original document and was printed, written, signed or executed as it purports to have been; or
(b) that the document, if described in the list as a copy, is a true copy.
(2) Where a party:
(a) has by his pleading or affidavit denied the authenticity of a document; or
(b) within 14 days after the time limited under Order 15 for inspection of a document, serves on the party giving inspection a notice that he disputes the authenticity of the document;
subrule (1) does not work an admission by the first‑mentioned party as to that document.
(3) Subrules (1) and (2) apply in relation to an affidavit made in compliance with an order under Order 15, rule 8 (which relates to discovery of particular documents) as they apply in relation to a list of documents served under that Order.
4 Judgment on admissions
(1) If an admission is made by a party, whether by a pleading or otherwise, the Court may pronounce any judgment or make any order to which the applicant is entitled on the admission.
(2) The Court may exercise its powers under subrule (1) notwithstanding that other questions in the proceeding have not been determined.
Order 19 Motions
1 Application
(1) Any interlocutory or other application in any proceeding which has already been commenced in accordance with these Rules shall be made by motion.
(2) The motion shall be supported by affidavit setting forth the facts relied upon.
(3) Such application may be made to the Court or a Judge.
2 Notice of motion — Form 27
(1) Subject to subrule (2), a person shall not move the Court or a Judge for any order unless before moving he has filed notice of the motion in accordance with Form 27 and has served the notice on each interested party who has an address for service in the proceeding.
(2) A person may move the Court or a Judge without previously filing or serving notice of the motion:
(a) where the preparation of the notice, or the filing or service (as the case may be) of the notice would cause undue delay or other mischief to the applicant;
(b) where each party interested, other than the applicant, consents to the order;
(c) where under these Rules the motion may properly be made without the prior filing or service (as the case may be) of notice of the motion; or
(d) where the Court or a Judge dispenses with the requirements of subrule (1).
(3) Notice of a motion shall:
(a) state the date and time when, and the place where, the motion is to be made;
(b) where the Court or a Judge makes an order under rule 3, bear a note of the order made;
(c) state concisely the nature of the order which is sought; and
(d) name each party affected by the order which is sought.
(4) Costs need not be specifically claimed.
3 Time for service of notice
Where a notice of motion is required to be served, it shall, unless the Court or a Judge otherwise orders, be served not less than three days before the date fixed for the motion.
4 Service
Where notice of a motion is to be served on a person who has not entered an appearance, the notice shall, unless the Court or a Judge otherwise orders, be served personally.
5 Absence of party
The Court or a Judge may hear and dispose of a motion in the absence of any party:
(a) where service of notice of the motion on the absent party is not required by the Rules or by an order; or
(b) where notice of the motion has been duly served on the absent party.
6 Notice of adjournment
Where a notice of motion has been served for any date or the hearing of a motion has been adjourned to any date and, before that date, any party files a request, bearing the consent of each other party to the motion, for an adjournment in accordance with this rule, the hearing of the motion shall stand adjourned to the date specified in the notice or to such later date as the Court or a Judge may appoint.
7 Further hearing
(1) Where notice of a motion for any day has been filed or served, and the motion is not disposed of on that day:
(a) the Court or a Judge may hear and dispose of the motion on any later day fixed by the Court or Judge; and
(b) subject to subrule (2), filing or service of further notice of motion shall not be required.