Unmeritorious claims filed to extort settlement are in contempt of court

Ministry of Law says such claims can be struck out if found to be abuse of process

- David Sun

People who abuse court processes by filing unmeritorious claims to oppress others and extort a settlement would be in contempt of court, said the Ministry of Law (MinLaw).

In a statement on Nov 21, the ministry said those who wish to sue or defend a claim without legal representation may do so in Singapore's courts, with simplified court processes allowing for greater self-representation.

MinLaw noted, however, that Parliament recently passed changes to the Administration of Justice (Protection) Act (AOJPA) to expressly clarify that an abuse of the court's processes would amount to contempt of court.

"This would include claims that are unmeritorious and filed simply to vex and oppress the defendant to extort a settlement," the ministry said.

The ministry also set out safeguards against those who seek to abuse the system. Unmeritorious claims can be struck out if the courts find them to be frivolous or an abuse of process, said MinLaw.