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  • Purpose of Order 24 - Discovery and Inspection of Documents:
  • To facilitate the fair disposal of a cause or matter and to save costs, courts may order discovery or inspection of documents only if deemed necessary ["

    SHASHIKALA SEGARA vs AIA GENERAL BHD - High Court

    "], ["

    LIM CHOON SIONG & ORS vs LIM CHENG LING - 2025 MarsdenLR 4533

    "], ["

    BLACKSPACE SDN BHD vs MITCHELL WONG POU YEE & ORS - High Court

    "], ["

    EKVE SDN BHD vs LAND ADMINISTRATOR DISTRICT OF GOMBAK & ORS AND ANOTHER CASE - High Court

    "].
  • Discovery is intended to uncover relevant documents that relate to the matters in question in the proceedings, not for fishing expeditions or obtaining collateral evidence ["

    BLACKSPACE SDN BHD vs MITCHELL WONG POU YEE & ORS - High Court

    "], ["

    YONG JO @ YONG CHO JOONG & ORS vs YONG LI LING & ORS - 2024 MarsdenLR 3863

    "].
  • Discovery and inspection are closely linked; discovery involves the identification and disclosure of documents, while inspection pertains to examining those documents ["

    SHASHIKALA SEGARA vs AIA GENERAL BHD - High Court

    "], ["

    GLOBAL MARITIME VENTURES BERHAD & ANOR vs IZLIN ISMAIL & ORS (ENCLS 140 141 147 151 157 159 16.... - High Court

    "].
  • The process aims to promote transparency and fairness in litigation by requiring parties to disclose documents within their possession or control that are relevant to the case ["

    SHASHIKALA SEGARA vs AIA GENERAL BHD - High Court

    "], ["

    N2N CONNECT BERHAD & ORS vs CHUA TIONG HOONG & ORS - Court Of Appeal

    "].
  • Orders for discovery or inspection are only to be made if the court considers it necessary for the just disposal of the case or for efficiency, and not merely to prolong proceedings ["

    LEE WAI CHENG vs CHENG LING KEUN - High Court

    "], ["

    EKVE SDN BHD vs LAND ADMINISTRATOR DISTRICT OF GOMBAK & ORS AND ANOTHER CASE - High Court

    "].
  • Non-compliance with discovery orders can lead to serious consequences such as striking out a defense or dismissing a suit, but the primary purpose of such orders is compliance, not punishment ["

    BLACKSPACE SDN BHD vs MITCHELL WONG POU YEE & ORS - High Court

    "], ["

    YONG JO @ YONG CHO JOONG & ORS vs YONG LI LING & ORS - 2024 MarsdenLR 3863

    "].
  • Discovery against third parties is permitted under specific rules (e.g., O 24 r 7A), but only if necessary, and must be proportionate to the issues ["

    VINVEST CAPITAL HOLDINGS BERHAD vs EA HOLDINGS BERHAD & ORS (ENCLS 1 3 18 26 34 40 64 94 98 .... - High Court Malaya Kuala Lumpur

    "].
  • The court’s discretion is guided by the necessity and relevance of the documents, with a focus on avoiding fishing expeditions and protecting confidentiality or privileged information ["

    SHASHIKALA SEGARA vs AIA GENERAL BHD - High Court

    "], ["

    LEE WAI CHENG vs CHENG LING KEUN - High Court

    "].

Analysis and Conclusion:Order 24 of the Rules of Court 2012 serves a crucial role in ensuring that discovery and inspection of documents are conducted only when necessary for the fair and efficient resolution of a case. The main purpose is to facilitate transparency by requiring parties to disclose relevant documents that are within their possession or control, thereby aiding in just disposal of disputes. The rules emphasize that discovery should be proportionate, relevant, and not used as a tool for fishing expeditions or collateral purposes. Courts exercise discretion based on necessity, and non-compliance can lead to sanctions, but the overarching goal remains to promote fairness and efficiency in litigation ["

SHASHIKALA SEGARA vs AIA GENERAL BHD - High Court

"], ["

BLACKSPACE SDN BHD vs MITCHELL WONG POU YEE & ORS - High Court

"].
Order 24 Rules of Court Standards for Document Discovery and Inspection in Civil Litigation

Understanding the Purpose of Order 24: Discovery and Inspection of Documents

In civil litigation, access to relevant documents can make or break a case. But how does the court balance transparency with preventing abuse? This is where Order 24 of the Rules of Court 2012 (ROC) comes into play. Often referred to as the framework for discovery and inspection of documents, Order 24 ensures parties can obtain necessary evidence while upholding fairness and efficiency.

If you've ever wondered, What is the purpose of Order 24 Discovery and Inspection of Documents?, this post breaks it down. We'll explore its objectives, criteria, judicial discretion, and real-world applications from key cases. Whether you're a litigant, lawyer, or simply curious about Malaysian civil procedure, read on for insights grounded in legal precedents.

Note: This article provides general information based on established cases and rules. It is not legal advice—consult a qualified lawyer for your specific situation.

The Primary Purpose of Order 24

Order 24 establishes a structured and discretionary framework for discovery and inspection in civil proceedings. Its core aim? To facilitate the fair and efficient disposal of civil cases by allowing parties to access relevant documents. As outlined in key authorities, courts may only order discovery when necessary for a fair resolution or to save costs

YONG JO @ YONG CHO JOONG & ORS vs YONG LI LING & ORS - 2024 MarsdenLR 3863

GOLDEN AFFINITY DEVELOPMENT SDN BHD vs LIM YOK WAH & ORS - 2020 MarsdenLR 482

.

This prevents fishing expeditions—speculative searches for evidence—and focuses on relevance, necessity, and fairness. Documents must be in the possession, custody, or power of the opposing party and directly tied to disputed issues

GOLDEN AFFINITY DEVELOPMENT SDN BHD vs LIM YOK WAH & ORS - 2020 MarsdenLR 482

.

Discovery and inspection are only to be ordered when the court is satisfied that they are necessary either for a fair resolution of the case or for saving costs.

YONG JO @ YONG CHO JOONG & ORS vs YONG LI LING & ORS - 2024 MarsdenLR 3863

By streamlining evidence production, Order 24 promotes cost-effectiveness and avoids unnecessary delays.

Key Criteria for Granting Discovery Orders

Not every request qualifies. Courts apply strict tests under Order 24:

  • Relevance: Documents must relate to factual issues in dispute

    GOLDEN AFFINITY DEVELOPMENT SDN BHD vs LIM YOK WAH & ORS - 2020 MarsdenLR 482

    . Mere potential usefulness isn't enough.
  • Possession, Custody, or Power: They must be (or have been) held by the responding party, absent inherent jurisdiction exceptions

    YONG JO @ YONG CHO JOONG & ORS vs YONG LI LING & ORS - 2024 MarsdenLR 3863

    GOLDEN AFFINITY DEVELOPMENT SDN BHD vs LIM YOK WAH & ORS - 2020 MarsdenLR 482

    .
  • Necessity: Central to approval, this requires proof that discovery aids fair disposal or cost savings. Relevance alone falls short

    TAN SRI DATO KAM WOON WAH vs HANNAH KAM ZHEN YI & ANOR

    .

In one case, a plaintiff sought inspection of a letter to the Chief Judge for a recusal application. The court dismissed it, stressing: Discovery applications require proof of both relevance and necessity; mere relevance is insufficient

TAN SRI DATO KAM WOON WAH vs HANNAH KAM ZHEN YI & ANOR

. The burden lies on the applicant to demonstrate why the document is essential (Paras 34, 41, 46).

Court's Discretionary Powers

Judges hold broad discretion to refuse, limit, or adjourn applications if criteria aren't met or discovery isn't timely

YONG JO @ YONG CHO JOONG & ORS vs YONG LI LING & ORS - 2024 MarsdenLR 3863

. For instance:
  • Applications before an initial Order 3 compliance are barred, ensuring procedural safeguards

    KAYANGAN PARKING SDN BHD LWN. MAJLIS PERBANDARAN KANGAR - 2018 MarsdenLR 2104

    .
  • Late or abusive requests may be struck as oppressive

    BANK KERJASAMA RAKYAT MALAYSIA BERHAD vs ANGKATAN KOPERASI KEBANGSAAN MALAYSIA BERHAD & ANOR

    .

Under Order 24 r 12, courts can order original document production if authenticity is questioned

RE: YAN GANG LENG; EX-PARTE: HANSON QUARRY PRODUCTS SDN BHD - 2008 MarsdenLR 2007

RE: YAN GANG LENG; EX-PARTE: HANSON QUARRY PRODUCTS SDN BHD vs . - 2008 MarsdenLR 4628

. This verifies genuineness without broader fishing.

A notable example: In divorce proceedings, the court allowed financial document discovery, distinguishing it from fishing by emphasizing necessity for fair trial on asset division

EWE KHAY GUAN vs CHIN OI KHIUN

. The documents sought were necessary to fairly dispose of the case (Para 70).

Conversely, requests for non-existent compilations were rejected as interrogatories, not discovery—discovery targets existing documents only

BANK KERJASAMA RAKYAT MALAYSIA BERHAD vs ANGKATAN KOPERASI KEBANGSAAN MALAYSIA BERHAD & ANOR

BANK KERJASAMA RAKYAT MALAYSIA BERHAD vs ANGKATAN KOPERASI KEBANGSAAN MALAYSIA BERHAD & ANOR

. One counterclaim for overpayments failed as it shifted the proof burden and resembled a fishing expedition (Paras 24, 35).

Safeguards Against Abuse

Order 24 combats misuse:

  • No Fishing Expeditions: Speculative probes are dismissed

    YONG JO @ YONG CHO JOONG & ORS vs YONG LI LING & ORS - 2024 MarsdenLR 3863

    GOLDEN AFFINITY DEVELOPMENT SDN BHD vs LIM YOK WAH & ORS - 2020 MarsdenLR 482

    .
  • Stage-Specific Necessity: Discovery may be denied if not needed yet

    ECO HORIZON SDN BHD vs PENGHUNI-PENGHUNI ARULMIGU KUIL SRI MAHA MUTHU MARIAMMAN & ORS - 2021 MarsdenLR 1109

    .
  • Non-Compliance Consequences: While stringent (e.g., under analogous CPC provisions), penalties apply only in extreme contumacy 2022 0 Supreme(Del) 1826. Courts avoid harsh suits dismissal without willful disobedience.

These limits protect parties from burdensome, irrelevant demands, aligning with civil procedure's efficiency goals.

Practical Applications from Case Law

Real cases illustrate Order 24 in action:

  1. Recusal Letter Inspection

    TAN SRI DATO KAM WOON WAH vs HANNAH KAM ZHEN YI & ANOR

    : Dismissed for lacking necessity, reinforcing the dual relevance-necessity test.
  2. Financial Disclosure in Divorce

    EWE KHAY GUAN vs CHIN OI KHIUN

    : Allowed as specific and essential, not speculative.
  3. Islamic Financing Documents

    BANK KERJASAMA RAKYAT MALAYSIA BERHAD vs ANGKATAN KOPERASI KEBANGSAAN MALAYSIA BERHAD & ANOR

    BANK KERJASAMA RAKYAT MALAYSIA BERHAD vs ANGKATAN KOPERASI KEBANGSAAN MALAYSIA BERHAD & ANOR

    : Rejected for requiring new compilations and abuse of process—Discovery must pertain to existing documents relevant to matters in dispute (Para 24).
  4. Authenticity Challenges

    RE: YAN GANG LENG; EX-PARTE: HANSON QUARRY PRODUCTS SDN BHD - 2008 MarsdenLR 2007

    : r 12 invoked for originals when copies are doubted.

These precedents show courts scrutinize applications rigorously, prioritizing justice over rote disclosure.

Production and Inspection Mechanics

Once approved:- Parties file affidavits listing documents (Order 24 r 3).- Inspection follows at reasonable times.- r 13(1) mandates court opinion on necessity before production orders: An order for the production of any documents for inspection... shall not be made unless the court is of the opinion that...

EWE KHAY GUAN vs CHIN OI KHIUN

.

This sequence—discovery then inspection—prevents premature or overbroad orders.

Key Takeaways for Litigants

  • Prepare Thoroughly: Affidavits must prove relevance and necessity with specifics.
  • Time Strategically: Avoid late applications risking abuse labels.
  • Respect Limits: Focus on existing, possessed documents—no interrogatory disguises.
  • Leverage Discretion: Courts favor fairness; strong cases get relief.

Order 24 balances transparency with efficiency, ensuring civil justice without exploitation.

Conclusion

The purpose of Order 24 Discovery and Inspection of Documents is clear: enable fair, cost-effective civil resolutions through targeted evidence access. By mandating relevance, necessity, and discretion, it curbs abuse while advancing trials

YONG JO @ YONG CHO JOONG & ORS vs YONG LI LING & ORS - 2024 MarsdenLR 3863

GOLDEN AFFINITY DEVELOPMENT SDN BHD vs LIM YOK WAH & ORS - 2020 MarsdenLR 482

.

In summary:- Prioritizes necessary documents for fair disposal.- Empowers courts to block fishing or untimely bids.- Draws from precedents like those emphasizing proof burdens

TAN SRI DATO KAM WOON WAH vs HANNAH KAM ZHEN YI & ANOR

.

For tailored guidance in Malaysian courts, engage a legal professional. Stay informed—effective discovery can be your edge.

References (selected):1.

YONG JO @ YONG CHO JOONG & ORS vs YONG LI LING & ORS - 2024 MarsdenLR 3863

: Overarching purpose and necessity.2.

GOLDEN AFFINITY DEVELOPMENT SDN BHD vs LIM YOK WAH & ORS - 2020 MarsdenLR 482

: Criteria details.3.

TAN SRI DATO KAM WOON WAH vs HANNAH KAM ZHEN YI & ANOR

: Relevance vs. necessity.4.

BANK KERJASAMA RAKYAT MALAYSIA BERHAD vs ANGKATAN KOPERASI KEBANGSAAN MALAYSIA BERHAD & ANOR

: Existing documents rule. #Order24 #DiscoveryLaw #MalaysiaCivilLaw
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