Rilak & Tsocas

In the matter of *Rilak & Tsocas*, the applicant sought the disqualification of Rees J on the grounds of apprehended bias. The applicant also applied for a stay of costs orders made on 11 May 2017, pending the determination of an appeal.

The court was required to determine two principal issues: first, whether there was a sufficient basis to disqualify the judge due to apprehended bias; and second, whether a stay of the costs orders should be granted pending appeal.

Rees J dismissed the application for disqualification, noting the absence of any evidence or submissions supporting the applicant's assertion of apprehended bias. The application for a stay of the costs orders was also dismissed, with the court finding that the appeal did not have a strong basis and that granting a stay would unfairly deprive the respondent of interest.