Part 2: Registry, Administration and Finance

Part 2: Registry, Administration and Finance For the complete documentation index, see llms.txt. Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending .md to page URLs; this page is available as Markdown.

Part 2: Registry, Administration and Finance 10. Business of the Registry 11. Operating hours of the Supreme Court 12. Hours for the sittings of the Supreme Court 13. Hearings by video conferencing or telephone conferencing 14. Production of record of hearing 15. Certification of transcripts 16. Interpreters and translation 17. Access to case file, inspection, taking copies and searches Access by parties to a case file File inspection by non-parties or parties who are not registered users Obtaining certified true copies of documents Electronic cause books and registers maintained by the Registry 18. Personal Data Consent to collection, use or disclosure of personal data Access to personal data Correction of personal data 19. Documents creating power of attorney 20. Filing directions to the Accountant-General for payment in or payment out or furnishing security for costs by depositing monies in the Registry Direction to Accountant-General for Payment In or Payment Out Furnishing security for costs by depositing monies in the Registry Request for information on balance of monies paid into Court or deposited in the Registry 21. Requests and other Correspondence 21A. Waiting time for the hearing of matters 22. Requesting a hearing date through the Electronic Filing Service 23. Fixing of hearing dates 24. Adjournment or vacation of trial dates and part-heard cases 25. Adjournment or vacation of hearings other than trials 26. Authorisation for collection of Court documents or mail 27. Electronic payment of Court fees Implementation of electronic means for payment of Court fees Modes of payment by electronic means Scope of payment by electronic means Registrar’s discretion 28. Use of the Video Conference Facilities and the Mobile Infocomm Technology Facilities 29. Applications to use the Video Conference Facilities and Usage of Additional Equipment 30. Applications to use the Mobile Infocomm Technology Facilities

10. Business of the Registry Pursuant to section 71(1) of the Supreme Court of Judicature Act 1969 and Order 26, Rule 1(1) of the Rules of Court 2021, the Chief Justice has directed that the Registry of the Supreme Court (“the Registry”) comprises the Division for the Court of Appeal and the Appellate Division, the Division for the General Division and the Division for the Singapore International Commercial Court

10. Business of the Registry There is to be one or more Divisional Registrars for the Court of Appeal and the Appellate Division, for the General Division, and for the Singapore International Commercial Court. The Divisional Registrar or Divisional Registrars for each division of the Registry will have control and supervision of the affairs of that division. Overall control and supervision of the Registry will remain with the Registrar of the Supreme Court.

10. Business of the Registry The Chief Justice may designate any Assistant Registrar as Senior Assistant Registrar. The Chief Justice may also designate the Deputy Registrar, any Senior Assistant Registrar or any Assistant Registrar as Divisional Registrar or Deputy Divisional Registrar of any division of the Registry.

10. Business of the Registry Appendix C of these Practice Directions sets out the names of the Registrar, Deputy Registrar, Senior Assistant Registrars, Divisional Registrars and Deputy Divisional Registrars.

10. Business of the Registry To avoid doubt, it is hereby declared that any instruction manuals which may be issued from time to time by the Government are not applicable to the business of the Registry.

11. Operating hours of the Supreme Court The Supreme Court operates from 8.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. from Monday to Friday. However, various offices and counters within the Supreme Court have different operating hours.

11. Operating hours of the Supreme Court The Registry is open from 9.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. from Monday to Thursday. On Friday, it is open from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

12. Hours for the sittings of the Supreme Court The Chief Justice has directed that the General Division, the Appellate Division and the Court of Appeal are to sit from 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and from 2.15 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. Registrars are to sit from 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and from 2.30 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. This is subject to the presiding Judge’s or Registrar’s discretion to commence or conclude a hearing at an earlier or later time.

13. Hearings by video conferencing or telephone conferencing Selected hearings in the Supreme Court will be conducted by video conferencing or where appropriate, telephone conferencing. Where the Court issues directions for a hearing to be conducted by way of video conferencing or telephone conferencing:

13. Hearings by video conferencing or telephone conferencing Solicitors may write to the Court to raise any concerns that they may have within 2 days after receiving notification of such directions; and (b) A party who is not legally represented is strongly encouraged to use video conferencing or telephone conferencing, but may inform the Court if he or she does not wish to do so.

13. Hearings by video conferencing or telephone conferencing The Court retains full discretion to decide (a) whether to conduct any hearing by video conferencing or telephone conferencing, and (b) whether to conduct any hearing with one or more parties attending by video conferencing or telephone conferencing and any other party attending physically in Court.

13. Hearings by video conferencing or telephone conferencing Unauthorised audio or visual recording of hearings is strictly prohibited and in appropriate cases, the Court may require an undertaking that no such recording will be made. The attention of parties is drawn to section 5 of the Administration of Justice (Protection) Act 2016 regarding contempt of court by unauthorised recordings.

13. Hearings by video conferencing or telephone conferencing Where hearings are conducted by video conferencing or telephone conferencing, all Court rules and practices on dress and etiquette will continue to apply. However, it will not be necessary to stand and/or bow to the Court at the start or end of the hearing or to stand when addressing the Court.

14. Production of record of hearing An audio recording mentioned in Order 15, Rule 11(6) of the Rules of Court 2021 will be made by the Court in every open court trial in an action begun by originating claim, and may be made by the Court in any other hearing in the General Division. Where a hearing is conducted by means of video conferencing or telephone conferencing using a remote communication technology approved by the Chief Justice or authorised by the Court, and the Court has authorised the making of a recording of the hearing using such remote communication technology, the recording so made will, unless the Court otherwise directs, constitute the Court’s notes of proceedings for the purposes of Order 15, Rule 11(7) of the Rules of Court 2021.

14. Production of record of hearing Without limiting Order 15, Rule 11(7) of the Rules of Court 2021, the Court may determine, for the purposes of that provision, that the Court’s notes of proceedings are to be taken down by a person other than the Court, whether by hand or through the use of any computer or electronic device.

14. Production of record of hearing The provisions of sub-paragraphs (1) and (2) are subject to any directions made by the Court hearing the matter, or by the Registrar, whether or not upon application by the parties. Such directions may include the use of alternative means of producing transcripts.

14. Production of record of hearing Where the Court makes directions under sub-paragraph (3) for the use of alternative means of producing transcripts:

14. Production of record of hearing the transcript of the notes of proceedings will constitute the Court’s note of proceedings for the purposes of Order 15, Rule 11(7) of the Rules of Court 2021; and (b) the parties must inform the Registry by letter at least 7 working days before the scheduled hearing as to the mode by which the proceedings will be recorded.

14. Production of record of hearing The costs of engaging a service provider must be paid by the parties directly to the service provider.

14. Production of record of hearing A request for an audio recording mentioned in sub-paragraph (1) must be made by filing the requisite Request electronic form through the Electronic Filing Service at least 7 working days before the scheduled hearing. The release of the audio recording is subject to:&x20;

14. Production of record of hearing the approval of the Court;&x20; (b) the giving of the relevant undertakings as to the use of the audio recording available on the Singapore Courts website at ; and&x20; (c) payment of the appropriate fees and charges to the service provider engaged to provide the audio recording.

14. Production of record of hearing Requests for certified transcripts of the official record of the hearing must be made by filing the requisite Request electronic form through the Electronic Filing Service at least 7 working days before the scheduled hearing.

14. Production of record of hearing Sub-paragraphs (5A) and (6) apply to both civil and criminal proceedings.

15. Certification of transcripts Pursuant to Order 15, Rule 11(10) of the Rules of Court 2021, the Registrar hereby directs that transcripts of the official record of the hearing may be certified by:

15. Certification of transcripts the Judge or judicial officer having conduct of the proceedings; (b) with the approval of the Court, the Manager or Personal Assistant, as the case may be, to the Judge or judicial officer having conduct of the proceedings; or (c) with the approval of the Court, the service provider.

15. Certification of transcripts The costs of producing a certified transcript of the official record of the hearing may be claimed as an item of disbursement unless otherwise ordered by the Court.

15. Certification of transcripts A transcript of the official record of hearing must be certified in such manner as the Registrar may determine.

16. Interpreters and translation The directions set out in sub-paragraphs (2) to (8) below are to be followed in relation to all requests for interpretation services of interpreters from the Supreme Court’s Interpreters Section, whether the services are required for hearings in open court or in chambers.

16. Interpreters and translation Not less than 7 working days before the day on which the services of an interpreter are required (“scheduled day”), the requesting party must file a Request electronic form addressed to the appropriate Head Interpreter through the Electronic Filing Service in the manner and form set out in Form B1 of Appendix B of these Practice Directions.

16. Interpreters and translation The Request in sub-paragraph (2) must be filed for hearings of matters which have been adjourned or part-heard, even if the services of an interpreter were requested and provided at an earlier hearing of the same matter. In the event that a Request is made in respect of an adjourned or part-heard matter, the Request should state the date of the earlier hearing.

16. Interpreters and translation The requesting party must make payment of any prescribed fees for interpretation services under the Fourth Schedule to the Rules of Court 2021 upon approval of the Request.

16. Interpreters and translation In the event that the services of the interpreter are for any reason not required on any of the scheduled days specified in the Request, the requesting party must immediately notify the appropriate Head Interpreter either by letter or email. This will serve as a notice of cancellation.

16. Interpreters and translation Any request for refund of the fee paid under sub-paragraph (4) must be submitted to the Registrar through the Electronic Filing Service within 1 month after the date on which the reason for the refund arose. The supporting reasons and the amount of refund sought must be clearly indicated in the request for refund.

16. Interpreters and translation Unless otherwise decided by the Registrar, the fee paid for any scheduled day may be refunded only if a notice of cancellation under sub-paragraph (5) is given at least 1 clear working day prior to that scheduled day.

16. Interpreters and translation The provision of interpretation services by the Supreme Court’s Interpreters Section is subject to the availability of suitable interpreters on the day that the interpretation services are required. Failure to comply with the directions set out in sub-paragraphs (2) to (4) may result in the services of interpreters not being available or provided.

16. Interpreters and translation Engagement of private interpreters (i.e., interpreters not from the Supreme Court’s Interpreters Section):

16. Interpreters and translation To avoid doubt, a party may engage the services of a private interpreter for interpretation services in respect of the languages listed in Form B1 of Appendix B of these Practice Directions. (b) If a party requires the services of an interpreter in a language apart from those listed in Form B1 of Appendix B of these Practice Directions, it is the duty of the party to engage such an interpreter directly to obtain his or her services for the scheduled hearing. (c) Interpreters who are not from the Supreme Court's Interpreters Section must be sworn in before the Duty Registrar before they may provide interpretation services for proceedings in Court.

16. Interpreters and translation Requests for translation of documents in Chinese, Malay or Tamil for use in Supreme Court proceedings must be filed through the Electronic Filing Service at least 4 weeks before the date the translations are required. Failure to comply with the directions set out in this sub- paragraph may result in translations not being available or provided by the date they are required.

16. Interpreters and translation In the event that the Supreme Court’s Interpreters Section is unable to accept a translation request, parties and counsel should approach a private translation service instead.

16. Interpreters and translation A party who is not legally represented may submit his or her request for interpretation services or translation of documents for Supreme Court proceedings using the respective forms available on the Singapore Courts website at https://www.judiciary.gov.sg.

17. Access to case file, inspection, taking copies and searches Access by parties to a case file

17. Access to case file, inspection, taking copies and searches All parties to a case who are registered users of the Electronic Filing Service may, subject to this paragraph and any directions of the Court, access the electronic case file made available through the Electronic Filing Service and may inspect, download soft copies or print hard copies of documents accessible to the parties in the electronic case file.

17. Access to case file, inspection, taking copies and searches Where a party to a case is not a registered user and is unable to access the electronic case file through the Electronic Filing Service, the procedure in sub-paragraph (5) below must be followed.

17. Access to case file, inspection, taking copies and searches All parties to a case have the liberty to make amendments to administrative details contained in the electronic case file through the Electronic Filing Service. Administrative details include the contact details of solicitors, the identities of the solicitors, and the nature of the claim. Where a party to a case is not a registered user of the Electronic Filing Service, he or she may attend at the service bureau to seek assistance to amend the administrative details contained in the electronic case file.

17. Access to case file, inspection, taking copies and searches The Registry may require parties to a case to provide supporting documents to substantiate proposed amendments to other details of the electronic case file before the amendment is approved. For example, amendments to add or remove a party to the case have to be supported by an order of court; and amendments to change the name, gender, identification number, or marital status of a party to the case have to be substantiated by documentary proof.

17. Access to case file, inspection, taking copies and searches In order to inspect a case file, the following procedure should be followed:

17. Access to case file, inspection, taking copies and searches A Request should be made to obtain permission to inspect the file. The Request should state the name of the person who is to carry out the search or inspection. If this person is not a solicitor, his or her identification and contact details should also be included in the Request, and his or her identification document (including physical or digital identity card) should be produced for verification when requested. The Request should also state the interest that the applicant has in the matter, and the reason for the search or inspection. If the search or inspection is requested for the purpose of ascertaining information for use in a separate suit or matter, the Request should clearly state the nature of the information sought and the relevance of such information to the separate suit or matter. (b) Once approval for inspection has been received from the Court, (i) registered users can inspect the case file online through the Electronic Filing Service; and (ii) parties who are not registered users can inspect the case file by presenting a copy of the approval at the service bureau. After verifying the approval, the service bureau will assign the inspecting party a personal computer for the inspection to be carried out. An inspecting party will usually be allowed 60 minutes to carry out the inspection. If a longer period is required, the service bureau may impose a charge for use of the computer. The service bureau may impose additional charges for downloading soft copies or printing hard copies of documents from the case file being inspected.

17. Access to case file, inspection, taking copies and searches Solicitors must communicate to the Registrar in writing the names of their employees who have their authority to make searches and inspections. Such authority may be in respect of a specific search or inspection or for a specified period.

17. Access to case file, inspection, taking copies and searches All copies of documents taken in the course of inspection should not be used for purposes other than those stated in the Request to inspect. Solicitors are responsible for informing their clients of this. To avoid doubt, a non-party that has obtained approval to inspect a case file may take and retain a soft copy of any document that is available for inspection.

17. Access to case file, inspection, taking copies and searches Users are encouraged to use the Authentic Court Order system to validate orders of court issued after 2 January 2020 by going to https://www.courtorders.gov.sg. However, certified true copies of orders of court will still be available upon application.

17. Access to case file, inspection, taking copies and searches Applications to obtain certified true copies of documents should be made by way of filing a Request through the Electronic Filing Service.

17. Access to case file, inspection, taking copies and searches The intended use of the certified true copies should be clearly stated in the Request. The relevance and necessity of the certified true copies in relation to their intended use should also be clearly described. (b) The applicant will be informed of the outcome to his or her Request and the fees payable for the provision of the certified true copies if the Request is approved. Upon confirmation of the receipt of payment of the fees payable, the certified true copies will be released to the applicant. The Registry may require verification of the identity of the applicant against his or her identification document (including physical or digital identity card) prior to the release of the certified true copies. (c) The fees prescribed by the Fourth Schedule to the Rules of Court 2021 will be payable for the provision of the above service.

17. Access to case file, inspection, taking copies and searches For the purposes of Order 26, Rule 3(1) of the Rules of Court 2021, the Registry must maintain the following Court records:

17. Access to case file, inspection, taking copies and searches details of all originating processes, including: (i) details of interlocutory applications filed in the originating processes; (ii) details of appeals filed in the originating processes; (iii) details of admiralty proceedings; (iv) details of caveats filed against arrest of vessels; (v) details of probate proceedings, including wills and caveats filed in the probate proceedings; (vi) details of bankruptcy proceedings; and (vii) details of winding up proceedings against companies and limited liability partnerships; (b) details of enforcement orders, writs of distress and warrants of arrest; (c) details of appeals filed in the Court of Appeal, appeals filed in the Appellate Division and appeals filed in the General Division; and (d) any other information as may from time to time be found necessary.

17. Access to case file, inspection, taking copies and searches Searches for any Court records mentioned in sub-paragraph (10) may be conducted through the Electronic Filing Service at a service bureau or at the Registry. The fees prescribed by the Fourth Schedule to the Rules of Court 2021 will be payable for such searches.

17. Access to case file, inspection, taking copies and searches An application may be made by any person for a licence to use any information contained in any electronic cause book or register subject to such terms and conditions as the Registrar may determine. Successful applicants will be required to enter into separate technical services agreements with the Electronic Filing Service provider. Applications under this sub-paragraph must be made in writing, identifying the data fields sought and providing details of how the information will be used.

18. Personal Data For the purposes of the following paragraphs:

18. Personal Data “personal data” has the same meaning as defined in the Personal Data Protection Act 2012; and (b) “data subject” means a person whose personal data appears in any document filed in the Registry or an electronic cause book or register maintained by the Registry.

18. Personal Data Consent for the collection, use or disclosure of personal data contained in any document filed with, served on, delivered or otherwise conveyed to the Registrar need not be obtained.

18. Personal Data Pursuant to Order 26, Rule 3(1) to 3(3) of the Rules of Court 2021, the Registry may compile and maintain electronic cause books and registers by extracting information, including personal data, contained in any document filed with, served on, delivered or otherwise conveyed to the Registrar.

18. Personal Data Contained in documents filed with, served on, delivered or otherwise conveyed to the Registrar. A data subject who wishes to access his or her personal data contained in any document filed with, served on, delivered or otherwise conveyed to the Registrar must comply with the applicable provisions in the Rules of Court 2021 and these Practice Directions relating to the access to and inspection of case files. A data subject is not entitled to request information about the ways in which his or her personal data contained in any document filed with, served on, delivered or otherwise conveyed to the Registrar has been used or disclosed.

18. Personal Data Contained in electronic cause books and registers maintained by the Registry. A data subject who wishes to access his or her personal data contained in any electronic cause book or register must conduct a search through the Electronic Filing Service at a service bureau or at the Registry and must pay the fees prescribed by the Fourth Schedule to the Rules of Court 2021. A data subject is not entitled to request information about the ways in which his or her personal data contained in any electronic cause book or register has been used or disclosed.

18. Personal Data Contained in documents filed with, served on, delivered or otherwise conveyed to the Registrar. A data subject who wishes to correct any error or omission in his or her personal data in any document filed with, served on, delivered or otherwise conveyed to the Registrar must comply with the applicable provisions in the Rules of Court 2021 and these Practice Directions relating to the amendment of the relevant document.

18. Personal Data Contained in electronic cause books and registers maintained by the Registry. A data subject who wishes to correct any error or omission of his or her personal data in any electronic cause book or register maintained by the Registry must comply with the following procedure:

18. Personal Data The request to correct the error or omission must be made in writing by the data subject or by his or her solicitor, together with the reason for the requested correction. The request must clearly identify the record and the personal data to be corrected; (b) If the data subject is not represented, his or her identification and contact details should also be included in the request, and his or her identification document (including physical or digital identity card) should be produced for verification when requested; and (c) The following documents should accompany the request: (i) recent copy of the record identifying the error or omission; and (ii) supporting document(s) to substantiate the proposed correction.

18. Personal Data Where a correction is made pursuant to a request under sub-paragraph (7), any information that is licensed for use under paragraph 17(12) will be updated accordingly with the corrected personal data.

19. Documents creating power of attorney To deposit a document creating a power of attorney under Order 26, Rule 4(1) of the Rules of Court 2021, the document and other supporting documents, if any, are to be filed, served, delivered or otherwise conveyed to the Registry through the Electronic Filing Service or the service bureau.

19. Documents creating power of attorney The directions set out in sub-paragraph (1) will also apply to a party who wishes to file a document which alters the powers created in a document that is filed, served, delivered or otherwise conveyed to the Registry on or after 28 May 2002. If the document relates to a document that is presented for deposit before 28 May 2002, the document must be filed manually in hard copy.

19. Documents creating power of attorney The Registry will not accept a document named as a deed of revocation if the deed only seeks to partially revoke the powers created in a document.

19. Documents creating power of attorney Where the document creating a power of attorney is executed by a corporation and the corporation does not have a common seal, an affidavit in support of an application to deposit the document in the Registry under Order 26, Rule 4(1) of the Rules of Court 2021 should be filed on behalf of the corporation:

19. Documents creating power of attorney to affirm the requirements for a valid execution of the power of attorney in accordance with the laws and practices of the corporation’s country of incorporation; and (b) to satisfy the Court that the requirements have been complied with.

19. Documents creating power of attorney A party may rely on the same affidavit in a subsequent filing of separate documents on behalf of the same corporation by indicating on the top right hand corner of the document the following statement: “Reference is made to affidavit of \[name] filed on \[date] in PA No. (xxxxxx) of (xxxx).”

19. Documents creating power of attorney A party seeking to file a document creating a power of attorney executed before a notary public or under a corporate seal must produce the original document to the Registry within 1 working day after filing the document. An application to deposit the document in the Registry will be processed only after the original document is produced.

20. Filing directions to the Accountant-General for payment in or payment out or furnishing security for costs by depositing monies in the Registry Where monies are to be paid into Court pursuant to a judgment or order of court, a copy of the judgment or order must be attached to the draft Direction to Accountant-General for Payment In and filed into the case file via the Electronic Filing Service for approval by the Court. The Direction to Accountant-General for Payment In must be in Form 44(a) of Appendix A of these Practice Directions.

20. Filing directions to the Accountant-General for payment in or payment out or furnishing security for costs by depositing monies in the Registry Where monies are to be paid out of Court, a copy of one of the following documents must be attached to the draft Direction to Accountant-General for Payment Out and filed into the case file via the Electronic Filing Service for approval by the Court:

20. Filing directions to the Accountant-General for payment in or payment out or furnishing security for costs by depositing monies in the Registry a copy of the judgment or order of court; or (b) the Notice of Acceptance of Money Paid into Court in Form 28 of Appendix A of these Practice Directions.

20. Filing directions to the Accountant-General for payment in or payment out or furnishing security for costs by depositing monies in the Registry Each draft Direction to Accountant-General for Payment In or Payment Out must contain amounts in a single currency. Where monies in different currencies are to be paid into or out of Court, separate draft Directions must be prepared for each currency in which payment is to be made.

20. Filing directions to the Accountant-General for payment in or payment out or furnishing security for costs by depositing monies in the Registry Where the Direction to Accountant-General for Payment In has been approved, the party or his or her solicitors (as the case may be; collectively “the Payment In Party”) must send a copy of the approved Direction to Accountant-General for Payment In and the relevant judgment or order of court to VITAL by email to . Upon successful receipt of the documents, VITAL will provide instructions on how electronic payment is to be effected. A receipt will be issued by VITAL to the Payment In Party when payment is received by the Accountant-General.

20. Filing directions to the Accountant-General for payment in or payment out or furnishing security for costs by depositing monies in the Registry Where the Direction to Accountant-General for Payment Out has been approved, the party or his or her solicitors (as the case may be; collectively “the Payment Out Party”) must send a copy of the approved Direction to Accountant-General for Payment Out and the relevant judgment or order of court to VITAL by email to . Upon successful receipt of the documents, VITAL will provide instructions on the process for the release of the monies.

20. Filing directions to the Accountant-General for payment in or payment out or furnishing security for costs by depositing monies in the Registry Where a party wishes to furnish security for costs for an appeal or an application filed in the Appellate Division or the Court of Appeal by depositing monies in the Registry, he or she should refer to the payment information on the Singapore Courts website at . The party must provide proof of such deposit when filing the appeal or application.

20. Filing directions to the Accountant-General for payment in or payment out or furnishing security for costs by depositing monies in the Registry Where security for costs is to be paid out to any party pursuant to the Rules of Court 2021 or an order or direction of the Court, the party entitled to payment of the security may write to the Registry to request payment out.&x20;

20. Filing directions to the Accountant-General for payment in or payment out or furnishing security for costs by depositing monies in the Registry Where a party wishes to request information on the balance of monies paid into Court or deposited in the Registry, the party or his or her solicitors may send the request, accompanied by the case details and reasons for the request, by email to:

20. Filing directions to the Accountant-General for payment in or payment out or furnishing security for costs by depositing monies in the Registry , if the monies were lodged with the Accountant-General; or (b) , if the monies were deposited in the Registry.

21. Requests and other Correspondence All Requests relating to or in connection with any pending cause or matter are to be made using the electronic forms available through the Electronic Filing Service. Where an electronic form is available through the Electronic Filing Service for the Request that is sought, the Registry has the discretion to refuse acceptance of other forms of written correspondence (including letters) and to refuse to act on such correspondence.