13.4
The timetable presently laid down in the RHC
The changes being contemplated in this Final Report might best be explained by
reference to the timetable presently laid down by the RHC for actions begun by writ.
Table 1, below, seeks to summarise the steps to be taken and by when, as prescribed
Table 1: Timetable for a writ action in the High Court under the RHC
A
B
C
D
Step
Time limits
(days)
Variation
1
Writ issued &
served
O18 r 1: SOC indorsed or served with writ
2
O6 r8: writ SV w/in 12 months
3
AOS & NOITD
SV of writ + 14
4
O12 r6: AOS may be later if no default
judgment
5
O14 r1: apply for summary judgment after
NOITD given
6
O16 r 1: D issues Third Party Notice after giving
NOITD
7
8
after NOITD
9
SOC served
NOITD + 14
10
Defence served
SV of SOC + 14
O18 r2: 14 days after AOS if SOC served with
writ
11
12
13
Reply served
SV of defence +
14
14
O18 r3: P serves defence to counterclaim
15
any time before
COP
O20 r3: amend pleadings w/o leave
16
any time
O20 r5: amend pleadings w/ leave
17
any time
O18 r12: Application for particulars
18
COP
SV of reply + 14
If no reply: 14 days after SV of DTC or if
neither 14 days after defence
19
DSC lists of docs
exchanged
COP + 14
20
21
O24 r7: apply for specific DSC
Notes
Abbreviations used in Table 1: AOS = acknowledgment of service; COP = close of pleadings; D =
Defendant; DSC = discovery; DTC = Defence to counterclaim; F&B = further and better; NOITD =
Notice of intention to defend; P = Plaintiff; SOC = statement of claim; SFD = summons for
directions; SV = service.