Ruhi Sethi-Smith successfully appeared in a High Court appeal in Manchester via Skype for Business.
Ruhi’s client was the Petitioning Creditor who obtained a winding up order in Business & Property Courts in Manchester. One of the shareholders of the Company made an oral application for permission to appeal that order. At a hearing conducted over Skype for Business, the Honourable Mr Justice Snowden refused permission to appeal on the basis that the appeal had no real prospect of success. Ruhi was able to recover the costs of attendance on the basis that the complex background to the matter necessitated it and her attendance was of assistance to the Court. The unusual circumstances of this application led to an interesting discussion over whether costs should be awarded against the Appellant personally or whether they should be paid out of the assets of the Company.
The Court and practitioners are adapting extremely well to conducting hearings remotely: Mr Justice Snowden thanked both parties for their assistance in the smooth running of the remote hearing. It will be interesting to see whether the Court increases its use of video conferencing facilities for certain applications post-pandemic.
Ruhi is frequently instructed in a wide range of insolvency applications and commercial matters. Further information about her practice is available here.
Forum Chambers remains open for business remotely. Our barristers are fully equipped for electronic instructions, video conferencing and remote court hearings. To discuss further, please contact the clerks on 020 3735 8070 or clerks@forumchambers.com
