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Timing of Filing Affidavit in Support of Leave Motion in the Federal Court

  • Affidavit in Support as Part of Interlocutory Application The affidavit supporting a leave application is considered interlocutory but becomes a crucial part of the substantive case if leave is granted. It is typically served together with the notice of motion and forms the initial basis of the applicant’s case in the main proceeding. This is consistently reflected in multiple sources, including

    DATO SERI MOHD NAJIB TUN HJ ABD RAZAK vs MENTERI DALAM NEGERI & ORS - 2025 MarsdenLR 2399

    ,

    DATO SERI MOHD NAJIB TUN HJ ABD RAZAK vs MENTERI DALAM NEGERI & ORS - 2025 MarsdenLR 875

    , and

    DATO SERI MOHD NAJIB TUN HJ ABD RAZAK vs MENTERI DALAM NEGERI & ORS - 2025 MarsdenLR 1635

    , which emphasize that the affidavit supporting leave is filed simultaneously with the notice of motion ["references"].
  • Timing of Filing The general consensus is that the affidavit in support of the leave application should be filed concurrently with or immediately after the notice of motion. The courts indicate that serving the affidavit together with the notice ensures clarity and procedural correctness, especially when leave is granted, and the case proceeds to substantive hearing ["references"].

  • Procedural Flexibility and Court Practice While some sources hint at procedural flexibility, the prevailing practice and judicial expectation are that the affidavit supporting the leave application is filed at the same time as the notice of motion. For instance, in the case discussed in

    DATO SERI MOHD NAJIB TUN HJ ABD RAZAK vs MENTERI DALAM NEGERI & ORS - 2025 MarsdenLR 2399

    and related sources, the courts have underscored the importance of this timing to establish the applicant’s case from the outset ["references"].
  • Exceptions and Specific Cases There are instances where the affidavit may come after the notice, particularly if leave is granted and the case advances to the substantive stage, but such scenarios are less common and not the standard procedure. The emphasis remains on simultaneous filing to ensure procedural propriety and clarity in the application process ["references"].

Analysis and ConclusionBased on the referenced sources, the prevailing view in the Federal Court is that the affidavit in support of a leave motion should be filed simultaneously with the notice of motion. This practice ensures that the court and respondents have a complete set of documents to consider from the outset, facilitating a clear and efficient process. Filing the affidavit after the notice is generally not standard and may be viewed as procedurally improper unless specific circumstances justify such delay.


References:-

DATO SERI MOHD NAJIB TUN HJ ABD RAZAK vs MENTERI DALAM NEGERI & ORS - 2025 MarsdenLR 2399

-

DATO SERI MOHD NAJIB TUN HJ ABD RAZAK vs MENTERI DALAM NEGERI & ORS - 2025 MarsdenLR 875

-

DATO SERI MOHD NAJIB TUN HJ ABD RAZAK vs MENTERI DALAM NEGERI & ORS - 2025 MarsdenLR 1635

-

WONG WENG FOO & CO vs LONDON BISCUITS BERHAD - 2024 MarsdenLR 606

-

WONG WENG FOO & CO vs LONDON BISCUITS BERHAD - 2024 MarsdenLR 1569

Mandatory Filing of Affidavit with Notice of Motion for Leave in Federal Court Litigation

Must Affidavit File Simultaneously with Leave Motion Notice in Federal Court?

In the fast-paced world of litigation, procedural missteps can derail even the strongest cases. One common pitfall for practitioners in Malaysia's Federal Court involves the timing of filing an affidavit in support of a notice of motion for leave to appeal. Getting this right is crucial to avoid dismissal. This post explores the legal requirements, drawing from judicial precedents and rules, to guide you through the process.

Important Disclaimer: This article provides general information based on reported cases and is not legal advice. Procedures may vary by jurisdiction or specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified lawyer for your situation.

The Core Question: Simultaneous Filing or Not?

A frequent query arises in Federal Court practice: In the Federal Court, whether an affidavit in support of a notice for leave motion must be filed simultaneously or may come after?

The prevailing view, as reflected in Malaysian court rules and decisions, is clear: the affidavit must be filed simultaneously with the notice of motion. Delayed or separate filing is typically viewed as a fatal defect, potentially leading to refusal of leave. This stems from the need for proper verification of facts at the outset, ensuring procedural integrity under rules like Order 52 of the Rules of the High Court 1980 (RHC).

Main Legal Finding

Courts emphasize that the affidavit supports the notice from the moment of filing. Non-compliance undermines the application's validity. Key principle: The affidavit in support of the application must be filed simultaneously with the notice of motion and the non-filing of the statement is fatal to the applicant’s application 2022 8 Supreme 214.

This mandatory requirement aligns with the Courts of Judicature Act 1964 and Supreme Court/Federal Court practices, promoting efficiency and fairness.

Why Simultaneous Filing Matters

  • Verification of Facts: Affidavits provide sworn evidence; filing them together allows immediate scrutiny.
  • Procedural Compliance: Rules demand completeness at initiation to prevent piecemeal applications.
  • Judicial Efficiency: Courts avoid multiple hearings for curing defects.

Detailed Analysis from Case Law

Supreme Court Rules and RHC Provisions

Order 52(3) of the RHC 1980 underscores timelines: unless within 14 days after such leave was granted the motion is entered for hearing the leave shall lapse

SIVALINGAM S PONNIAH & ORS vs BALAKRISHNAN S PONNIAH & ORS - 2003 MarsdenLR 859

. This implies the notice and supporting affidavit must be ready and served together for validity.

In Chin Hua Sawmill Co Sdn. Bhd. v. Tuan Yusoff bin Tuan Mohamed, the court clarified: the affidavit in support of the notice of motion is that of the applicant's solicitor and noted failure to serve the affidavit with the notice as a defect not remedied later

RHB BANK BHD vs FGG WOOD MOULDINGS INDUSTRIES SDN BHD - 2001 MarsdenLR 1629

.

Mandatory Nature Confirmed

Judicial pronouncements reinforce simultaneity: The defect arising from nonfiling of the statement cannot be corrected by affidavit and it is mandatory that both statement and affidavit in support of the application must be filed

UTHAYAKUMAR PONNUSAMY vs ABDUL WAHAB ABDUL KASSIM & ORS - 2019 MarsdenLR 2283

. One document cannot substitute for the other post-filing.

In another ruling, non-compliance with O. 52 r. 2(2)—requiring affidavits before or with the notice—was not a mere irregularity but was fatal

FOLIN & BROTHERS SDN BHD vs WONG BOON SUN & ORS AND ANOTHER APPEAL - 2009 MarsdenLR 803

.

Consequences of Delay or Omission

  • Refusal of Leave: Applications lacking the affidavit are defective and dismissed.
  • No Cure Allowed: Later affidavits do not rectify the initial flaw

    UTHAYAKUMAR PONNUSAMY vs ABDUL WAHAB ABDUL KASSIM & ORS - 2019 MarsdenLR 2283

    .
  • Costs and Delays: Practitioners face adverse orders, prolonging disputes.

For instance, in a case under subsection 96(a) of the Courts of Judicature Act 1964, applicants filed a Notice of Motion for leave, but the supporting affidavit lacked key justifications, highlighting scrutiny on completeness

NG HOE KEONG & ORS vs OAG ENGINEERING SDN BHD & ORS

.

Insights from Related Cases and Practices

Broader precedents echo this rigor. In judicial review applications, affidavits must be based on direct knowledge, not hearsay, and filed integrally with the leave notice

DATO SERI MOHD NAJIB TUN HJ ABD RAZAK vs MENTERI DALAM NEGERI & ORS - 2025 MarsdenLR 875

NORRIHA ABDUL RAHMAN LWN. PEJABAT PENDIDIKAN DAERAH KOTA BHARU & YANG LAIN - 2025 MarsdenLR 3271

. Hearsay evidence is inadmissible in judicial review applications for mandamus

DATO SRI MOHD NAJIB TUN ABD RAZAK vs MENTERI DALAM NEGERI & ORS

.

A notice of motion for leave to introduce new evidence included grounds in the supporting affidavit, filed together post-judgment

Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Hj Abd Razak vs Menteri Dalam Negeri & Ors

. Similarly, in trade mark injunction motions, affidavits routinely accompany notices from inception 1999 0 Supreme(Bom) 121 1999 0 Supreme(Bom) 115.

Under Order 53, affidavits for leave must match those for substantive hearings, implying no post-filing changes

DATO SERI MOHD NAJIB TUN HJ ABD RAZAK vs MENTERI DALAM NEGERI & ORS - 2025 MarsdenLR 1635

. These examples across civil, appellate, and review matters show consistent practice.

In appeals against single Judge decisions under subsections 74(1), 97(3), and 97(4), cogent reasons via affidavit are examined upfront; insufficiency dooms the motion

NG HOE KEONG & ORS vs OAG ENGINEERING SDN BHD & ORS

.

Exceptions and Practical Considerations

No broad exceptions appear in the reviewed materials. Courts rarely relax rules absent extraordinary circumstances, like specific procedural grants not evident here. Hearsay or incomplete affidavits further invalidate

DATO SRI MOHD NAJIB TUN ABD RAZAK vs MENTERI DALAM NEGERI & ORS

.

Recommendations for Practitioners:- Prepare and file the affidavit with the notice to ensure compliance.- Verify contents for direct knowledge and relevance.- Avoid delays; time limits are strict (e.g., 14 days post-leave)

SIVALINGAM S PONNIAH & ORS vs BALAKRISHNAN S PONNIAH & ORS - 2003 MarsdenLR 859

.- If omitted inadvertently, refile anew rather than amend—courts view cures skeptically.

In family or commercial disputes, like trade mark transfers, full disclosure via affidavit is paramount; suppressions lead to denial 1999 0 Supreme(Bom) 121 1999 0 Supreme(Bom) 115.

Key Takeaways

  • Simultaneous is Mandatory: Affidavit and notice of motion for leave must file together in Federal Court.
  • Fatal Defects: Delays or omissions typically result in refusal.
  • Best Practice: Double-check rules like RHC Order 52 and CJA 1964 before filing.
  • Seek Expertise: Procedural nuances demand professional guidance.

By adhering to these principles, litigants safeguard their appeals. Stay informed on evolving practices—Malaysian courts prioritize procedural purity to uphold justice.

References:-

SIVALINGAM S PONNIAH & ORS vs BALAKRISHNAN S PONNIAH & ORS - 2003 MarsdenLR 859

,

RHB BANK BHD vs FGG WOOD MOULDINGS INDUSTRIES SDN BHD - 2001 MarsdenLR 1629

, 2022 8 Supreme 214,

UTHAYAKUMAR PONNUSAMY vs ABDUL WAHAB ABDUL KASSIM & ORS - 2019 MarsdenLR 2283

,

FOLIN & BROTHERS SDN BHD vs WONG BOON SUN & ORS AND ANOTHER APPEAL - 2009 MarsdenLR 803

,

NG HOE KEONG & ORS vs OAG ENGINEERING SDN BHD & ORS

,

DATO SERI MOHD NAJIB TUN HJ ABD RAZAK vs MENTERI DALAM NEGERI & ORS - 2025 MarsdenLR 875

,

DATO SERI MOHD NAJIB TUN HJ ABD RAZAK vs MENTERI DALAM NEGERI & ORS - 2025 MarsdenLR 1635

,

NORRIHA ABDUL RAHMAN LWN. PEJABAT PENDIDIKAN DAERAH KOTA BHARU & YANG LAIN - 2025 MarsdenLR 3271

,

Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Hj Abd Razak vs Menteri Dalam Negeri & Ors

,

DATO SRI MOHD NAJIB TUN ABD RAZAK vs MENTERI DALAM NEGERI & ORS

, 1999 0 Supreme(Bom) 121, 1999 0 Supreme(Bom) 115 #FederalCourtMalaysia, #LeaveMotionAffidavit, #LegalProcedure
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