AO -v- Secretary of State for Defence (anonymity order)

Administrative CourtHigh CourtKing's Bench DivisionAnonymity Order

Claim number: AC-2023-LON-003574

In the High Court of Justice
King’s Bench Division
Administrative Court

4 December 2023

Before:

The Honourable Mr Justice Julian Knowles

Between:

The King on the application of
AO

-v-

Secretary of State for Defence

and

(1) RS
(2) HO
(3) AO2
(4) AO3
(Interested parties)

Order

On the Claimant’s application for urgent consideration and interim relief by way of expedition and upon the Court considering the documents filed on behalf of the Claimant
Order by the Honourable Mr Justice Julian Knowles

IT IS ORDERED THAT:

  1. Pursuant to CPR r 39.2(4), the identity of the Claimant, and that of the First to Fourth Interested Parties, shall not be disclosed to any person who is not a party to these proceedings without permission of the Court.
  2. The Claimant shall be referred to as ‘AO’ in the title to these proceedings. The First to Fourth Interested Parties respectively shall be referred to as follows: (1) RS; (2) HO; (3) AO2; (4) AO3.
  3. Nothing shall be published which may reveal the name or address of the Claimant and the Interested Parties listed at [1] and [2] above, or any other details liable to lead to their identification.
  4. This restriction will continue until further order but it may be reviewed by the Court on application by any person who wishes to set aside or vary the order for anonymity. Any request for reconsideration must be made in writing on not less than seven days written notice and stating reasons in support.
  5. The Claimant’s application for permission to apply shall be listed within seven days with a time estimate of one hour, with both parties to be represented. The permission bundle shall stand as the hearing bundle and the statement of facts and grounds shall stand as the Claimant’s and Interested Parties’ Skeleton Argument.
  6. The Defendant’s Acknowledgment of Service and Summary Grounds of Defence shall stand as the Defendant’s Skeleton Argument and must be filed and served not less than 24 hours before the hearing date.
  7. The Defendant is to use his best endeavours to respond to the claim in preparation for the hearing and to use his best endeavours to file and serve his response in advance of the hearing.
  8. Liberty to apply.
  9. Costs reserved.