Court relief for indebted citizens
From February next year, litigants – especially big corporates and financial institutions – will no longer simply be able to haul the public before the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, when it is convenient for them.
A full Bench of three judges, led by Pretoria Deputy Judge President Aubrey Ledwaba, ruled that from February 2, civil actions, where the monetary value claimed was within the jurisdiction of the magistrate’s courts, should be instituted in those forums. This is unless the high court has granted leave to hear the matter in this court.
As things stand, the district court – which is a step lower than the regional court – can hear matters where the amount involved is up to R200 000. The regional courts can handle matters where the claim is between R200 000 and R400 000. From this amount up a claim can be heard by a high court.
But litigants turn to the high court even if the amount claimed fell within the lower courts’ jurisdiction.
Read the full story on: IOL.