Safeguards against abuse of court processes in place and strengthened by recent legislation: Law Ministry

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In: South-East Asia

SINGAPORE: According to the Ministry of Law ( MinLaw ), safeguards are in place to prevent the abuse of court procedures, which have been strengthened by recent legislative changes that have been approved by parliament.

Iris Koh, the founder of the National University of Singapore ( NUS), and her husband Raymond Ng were the subject of a case that was being investigated by the media. &nbsp,

According to MinLaw, the amendments to the Administration of Justice ( Protection ) Act ( AOJPA ) will “expressly clarify that an abuse of the court’s processes would amount to a contempt of court,” making it clear that it was unable to comment on the case” as it appears to relate to potential or ongoing legal proceedings.”

This includes allegations that are unsubstantiated and were filed solely to deceive the plaintiff into extorting money.

On November 13, amendments were passed to combat “lawfare” committed by those who abuse prosecutor procedures by filing flimsy promises for extortion. &nbsp,

In order to mistreat the defendants, this includes filing legitimate claims for monetary damages despite realizing that they lack merit. &nbsp,

Minister of State for Law Murali Pillai stated that there have been similar cases in Singapore and other nations as a result of the debate over the amendments, noting that such cases is become increasingly critical and lead to a decline in trust in the righteousness system over time.

In this context, he told the legislature that contempt of court should be made apparent when for a court procedure is violated.

According to MinLaw, there may be those who want to overuse the system for financial gain.

The authorities are empowered to take legal action against allegations of frivolity or approach abuse, it added. This includes&nbsp, striking out for claims and restricting a group from filing further states. &nbsp,

Events who interfere with or impede the administration of justice may also be investigated under AOJPA, said the agency’s director. According to MinLaw, it will keep an eye on developments and determine whether important law-related reforms are required.