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

Administrative CourtCivilHigh CourtKing's Bench DivisionAnonymity Order

Case number: AC-2024-LON-004268

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

In the matter of an application for judicial review

10 January 2025

Before:

The Honourable Mr Justice Sheldon

Between:

The King
on the application of
SS

-v-

Secretary of State for the Home Department

Order

On an application by the Claimant for anonymity and expedition

Following consideration of the documents lodged by the Claimant and the Defendant

ORDER by the Honourable Mr Justice Sheldon

  1. Pursuant to CPR 39.2(4), the Claimant’s identity must not be disclosed and the matter shall be known as SS v Secretary of State for the Home Department;
  2. Pursuant to CPR 5.4C, a person who is not a party to the proceedings may obtain a copy of a statement of case, judgment or order from the court records only if it has been anonymised. If any person seeks access to the unredacted records, they may make an application to the Court giving the Claimant seven days’ notice.
  3. The Claimant may (if so advised in line with CPR 54.8A and PD 52A para 7.1(1)) file a Reply within 2 days of the filing and service of the Defendant’s Acknowledgment of Service and Summary Grounds of Defence (which is to be produced within the normal time limits);
  4. As soon as practicable thereafter, and in any event within seven days thereafter, the papers will be placed before a Judge for a decision on permission and interim relief;
  5. Costs reserved.

Reasons

  1. The Claimant is an asylum seeker from Eritrea. She challenges the Defendant’s decision with respect to the provision of asylum support accommodation. She wishes to be provided with single-sex, private room, accommodation within London.
  2. Given the circumstances presented by the Claimant as to her alleged experiences, which include an allegation of sexual abuse, it is appropriate for an anonymity order to be granted. In case a non-party wishes to see the unredacted materials, they can make an application to the Court for such access on seven days’ notice to the Claimant.
  3. There is some urgency to this matter as the Claimant has been in asylum support accommodation which she regards as unsuitable since March 2024, in spite of repeated requests to be provided with single-sex, private room, accommodation within London. The Defendant agrees that expedition is appropriate, and so I grant expedition so that the application for permission and interim relief is considered as soon as practicable after the close of pleadings, and in any event within 7 days thereafter.
  4. I have abridged time for the service of a Reply; such pleading only to be produced if the requirements of CPR 54.8A and PD 52A para 7.1(1) are complied with.

Signed: Mr Justice Sheldon

10 January 2025