Paragraph 21 Proceedings which might affect freedom of expression

(1)

This section applies if a court is considering whether to grant any relief which, if granted, might affect the exercise of the right to freedom of expression as defined and protected by section 13.

(2)

If the person against whom the application for the relief is made (“the respondent”) is neither present nor represented, no such relief shall be granted unless the court is satisfied—

(a)

that the applicant has taken all available steps to notify the respondent; or

(b)

that there are compelling reasons why the respondent should not be notified.

(3)

No such relief shall be granted so as to restrain publication before trial unless the court is satisfied that the applicant is likely to establish that publication should not be allowed.

(4)

The court shall have particular regard to the importance of the right to freedom of expression and, where the proceedings relate to material which the respondent claims, or which appears to the court, to be journalistic, literary or artistic material (or to conduct connected with such material), to—

(a)

the extent to which—

(i)

the material has become, or is about to become, available to the public; or

(ii)

it is, or would be, in the public interest for the material to be published; and

(b)

any relevant privacy code.