MKN -v- London Borough of Hackney (anonymity order)

Administrative CourtHigh CourtQueen's Bench DivisionAnonymity Order

CO Ref: CO/3026/2022

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

1 September 2022

Before:

The Honourable Mrs Justice Tipples DBE

Between:

The Queen on the application of
MKN

-v-

London Borough of Hackney

Order

UPON the claimant’s application dated 18 August 2022 for (i) anonymity; (ii) abridgement of time for AOS to 7 days; and (iii) expedition by way of consideration of interim relief and permission on the papers within 7 days of AOS
AND UPON reading the documents lodged by the parties:

It is ordered that:

1. Pursuant to CPR Part 39.2(4) the claimant shall until further notice be granted anonymity in these proceedings and be known as “MKN”.
2. The claimant’s request for abridgement of time of the AOS be refused.
3. The defendant do serve any evidence in answer to the claimant’s application for interim relief and request for expedition at the same time as the AOS.
4. Following service the AOS and any evidence in answer from the defendant the papers shall be placed before a judge within 7 days in order for the claimant’s application for permission and/or interim relief to be determined on the papers or for the judge to give such directions for an oral hearing as he or she shall think fit.
5. The costs of the application be in the case.

Reasons:

Having regard to the evidence before the Court is appropriate to make the anonymity order in the terms sought. This is because non-disclosure of the claimant’s identity is necessary to secure the proper administration of justice and to protect the interests of the claimant.

The rules provide for the AOS to be served within 21 days of the service of the claim form. There is no reason to shorten that timescale in relation to the facts of this case. The defendant should be given a proper opportunity to respond and having done so, the papers can be placed promptly before a judge to determine the application for permission and interim relief or for the judge to give such directions as appropriate in relation to these matters.