[2025] EWHC 2485 (Ch)

The five applications now before me are unfortunately not the only extant applications in this litigation. By my reckoning, there are nine altogether (or possibly ten, though I am told that one has now been resolved). Nevertheless, by the order of HHJ Gerald, sitting as a judge of the High Court, dated 16 May 2025, it is the following five applications only that are listed before me on this occasion:

It will be seen that applications (1) to (3) and (5) concern the 2019 English Partnership Claim. Application (4) alone concerns the 1987 English Partnership Action. Applications (1), (2) and (5) were made by Iftikhar. Applications (3) and (4) were made by Vaqar. These applications were originally listed to be heard by HHJ Gerald (sitting as a judge of the High Court) on 14-15 May 2025. However, on an application made by Vaqar, that judge recused himself, and the applications were relisted before me instead.

I had the benefit of detailed skeleton arguments from both sides in advance of the hearing. Vaqar also put in further documents and written submissions before the hearing began, during it, and indeed after it. The applications were argued orally before me by James Kinman of counsel for Iftikhar, and by Vaqar in person, over two and a half days. Iftikhar’s counsel addressed me on all the applications first, over the first morning and a part of the first afternoon. Vaqar addressed me, again on all the applications, for the greater part of the first afternoon and the whole of the second day. Iftikhar’s counsel addressed me in reply on the morning of the third day. I then reserved my judgment. This is that judgment.