State Central Authority and Afridi

The parties before the court were the State Central Authority, acting as the applicant, and the respondent father, in proceedings concerning a child, X. The dispute involved the welfare and arrangements for the child, including her potential return to Fiji. The matter was heard by Bennett J.

The court was required to determine a range of procedural and interim matters to facilitate the progression of the case towards a final hearing. Key issues included the scheduling of the final hearing, the availability of mediation for preliminary matters, the filing of response evidence by the respondent father, and the arrangements for the child's electronic communication with her mother. The court also considered the role of the independent children's lawyer in facilitating mediation and providing necessary documentation.

Bennett J made a series of orders by consent and by the court. These orders established a timetable for the final hearing, mandated mediation for preliminary issues, and set deadlines for the filing of evidence. Crucially, the court ordered that the child have regular electronic communication with her mother via Skype, with provisions for the duration and potential variation of these times. The court also issued injunctions restraining discussions with the child about the family consultant's evidence and ordered a home visit by the applicant. Further orders related to the transcription of evidence, the retention of exhibits, and the provision of information to legal aid services. Liberty to apply was reserved to the parties.