(a) Application to Set Aside Irregular Proceedings
Overview of Application to Set Aside Irregular Proceedings
In South African civil procedure, an application to set aside irregular proceedings addresses
procedural errors or defects in legal processes. This request seeks to invalidate or nullify
proceedings that have not adhered to the correct legal procedures.
Grounds for Application
Jurisdictional Errors- Proceedings can be challenged if the court lacked proper jurisdiction to
hear the case. This principle is underscored by the case of Mogale v. Stander [1996] 3 All SA
458 (W), where it was emphasized that jurisdiction is fundamental to the court's authority.
Improper Service of Process - If the summons or legal documents were not served according to
legal requirements, the affected party can request that the proceedings be set aside. This was
illustrated in Hoffmann v. Hoffmann 1951 (1) SA 489 (A), where improper service led to the
setting aside of proceedings.
Non-Compliance with Procedural Rules- Deviations from prescribed procedural norms, such as
those set out in the Uniform Rules of Court, can lead to the proceedings being declared irregular.
The procedural non-compliance was considered in Mankayi v. AngloGold Ashanti Ltd [2011]
ZASCA 10, where procedural irregularities impacted the validity of the proceedings.
Process of Application
To set aside irregular proceedings, the affected party must submit an application supported by an
affidavit that outlines the procedural faults and reasons for seeking invalidation. This process is
governed by Rule 30 of the Uniform Rules of Court, which provides the mechanism for
addressing irregular proceedings.
Outcome of Application
, If the application is successful, the court’s order will nullify the previous proceedings. The court
may also order that the correct procedural steps be followed to rectify the issue or to reinitiate the
case.
(b) Meaning of "Liquid Document" for Provisional Sentence Summons
Definition of Liquid Document
In South African law, a "liquid document" refers to a document that distinctly and clearly
outlines a debt in a fixed and precise amount. This concept is integral to the procedure of
provisional sentence, which allows for expedited judgment based on the indisputable nature of
the debt.
Characteristics of a Liquid Document
Fixed Amount- The document must specify a precise and determinate sum of money, without
any need for further calculation or dispute. This was highlighted in the case of Standard Bank of
South Africa Ltd v. Socratous [2008] ZASCA 68, where the clarity of the debt amount was
central to the provisional sentence.
Unconditional Obligation - The document should demonstrate an unconditional commitment to
pay the specified amount. For instance, in Nedbank Ltd v. Dlamini [2005] ZASCA 3, the court
examined the clarity and unconditional nature of the document in relation to provisional
sentence.
Acknowledgment of Debt- Common examples of liquid documents include promissory notes,
bills of exchange, or written acknowledgments of debt, which explicitly affirm the existence and
amount of the debt. The case of Hermanus v. Trinh 2012 (2) SA 51 (WCC) illustrates the
application of liquid documents in provisional sentence proceedings.
Purpose in Provisional Sentence
Provisional sentence proceedings are utilized when a liquid document substantiates an
unequivocal claim for a specified amount. This summary judgment procedure, outlined in Rule 8
of the Uniform Rules of Court, is designed for instances where the debt is not contested,
allowing for a swift resolution based on the clear evidence of the debt.
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