MSM -v- Secretary of State for the Home Department (anonymity order)

Administrative CourtHigh CourtKing's Bench DivisionAnonymity Order

Claim number: AC-2026-LON-000927

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

27 February 2026

Before:

The Hon. Mr Justice Choudhury

Between:

The King on the application of
MSM

-v-

Secretary of State for the Home Department

Order

On an application by the Claimant for urgent consideration, interim relief and directions

Following consideration of the documents lodged by the Claimant

ORDER by the Hon. Mr Justice Choudhury:

  1. Anonymity:
    (a) Under the Court’s inherent jurisdiction and pursuant to s. 6 of the Human Rights Act 1998:
    (i) the Claimant’s name is to be withheld from the public and must not be disclosed in any proceedings in public; and
    (ii) the Claimant is to be referred to orally and in writing as “MSM”.
    (b) Pursuant to s. 11 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981, there must be no publication of the identity of the Claimant or of any matter likely to lead to the identification of the Claimant in any report of, or otherwise in connection with, these proceedings.
    (c) Pursuant to CPR 5.4C(4):
    (i) the parties must within 7 days file and serve a redacted copy of any statement of case already filed, omitting the name, address and any other information likely to lead to the identification of the Claimant;
    (ii) if any statement of case subsequently filed includes information likely to lead to the identification of the Claimant, a redacted copy omitting that information must be filed at the same time and must then be served with the unredacted version;
    (iii) unless the Court grants permission under CPR 5.4C(6), no non party many obtain a copy of any unredacted statement of case.
    (d) Any person wishing to vary or discharge this Order must make an application, served on each party.
  2. Timetable for submissions and paper decision on interim relief:
    (a) The Defendant may file and serve any response to the application for interim relief by 4.00pm on 6 March 2026.
    (b) The papers are to be referred to a judge for a decision whether to grant interim relief within 7 days thereafter.
    (c) The Defendant do have liberty to apply to vary or discharge these Directions on 24 hours’ notice;
    (d) Costs be reserved.

Reasons

Anonymity: The Claimant is an asylum seeker with health-related issues. Whilst acknowledging the principle of open justice, I must bear in mind the need for anonymity in such cases in the interests of privacy and safety. There are in my view compelling reasons for the limited derogations from the principle of open justice in paragraph 1.
Timetable for submissions and paper decision on interim relief: Given the age and health-needs of the Claimant, there would appear to be a degree of urgency. That said (and as the Claimant very fairly acknowledges) the Court would benefit from an opportunity to consider the Defendant’s position before making any decision on interim relief. In these circumstances, it is appropriate to allow the Defendant a short period of time in which to set out its response. The application for interim relief will be considered on the papers within 7 days thereafter.