Harshani and Darnith and Anor

In *Harshani and Darnith and Anor*, heard before Cronin J, the proceedings involved a husband and wife, and a third party identified as Ms E. The dispute concerned applications for an annulment of the marriage, with the husband also seeking to strike out proceedings against Ms E and other respondents.

The court was required to determine whether to strike out proceedings against Ms E and other respondents, and to manage the ongoing applications for annulment of the marriage. Further issues related to the evidence to be relied upon and the procedural steps for the adjourned hearing.

Cronin J ordered that proceedings against Ms E and all respondents other than the wife be struck out, with the husband to pay Ms E's costs. The extant applications for annulment by both the husband and wife were adjourned for a two-day hearing. The court directed that neither party could rely on previously filed affidavit material as evidence in chief for the upcoming hearing. Specific timelines were set for the wife to file and serve an amended application and her evidence in chief, and for the husband to file and serve an amended response and his evidence in chief. The wife was also ordered to pay setting down and trial fees by a specified date, and further directions were given regarding the filing of replying affidavits and the prohibition of further material without leave.