VTB Bank (PJSC) v Mejlumyan [2021] EWHC 718 (Comm) (25 March 2021)

VTB Bank (PJSC) v Mejlumyan [2021] EWHC 718 (Comm) (25 March 2021)

Given credible medical evidence of the respondent's incapacity, it would be unfair to proceed on the merits; an adjournment is granted. Interim anti-suit relief to 'hold the ring' is appropriate to prevent prejudice, with safeguards to avoid prejudicing the respondent's right of appeal in Armenia.

Citation
[2021] EWHC 718 (Comm)
Parties
Claimant/applicant: VTB Bank (PJSC); Defendant/respondent: Valeri Dzhanibekovich Mejlumyan
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
25 March 2021
Procedural Posture
Arbitration Claim (anti Suit Injunction and Adjournment Application) / Interlocutory Hearing on Anti Suit Injunction and Adjournment
Outcome
Adjournment granted; interim anti-suit relief ordered to hold the ring pending a full hearing.
Legal Topics
Anti Suit Injunctions, Arbitration Agreements, Jurisdiction, Adjournment, Interim Relief
Arbitration Civil Procedure Injunctions Anti Suit Injunctions Arbitration Agreements Jurisdiction Adjournment Interim Relief

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 3 Authorities cited 4 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 2
Sign in to unlock

Parties

VTB Bank (PJSC)

Claimant/applicant

Valeri Dzhanibekovich Mejlumyan

Defendant/respondent

Procedural Posture

Arbitration Claim (anti Suit Injunction and Adjournment Application) / Interlocutory Hearing on Anti Suit Injunction and Adjournment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether to grant an anti-suit injunction restraining Armenian proceedings in breach of a London arbitration clause
  2. 2 Whether to adjourn the anti-suit injunction hearing due to the respondent's ill health
  3. 3 Whether interim 'hold the ring' relief should be granted pending a full hearing

Ratio Decidendi

Given credible medical evidence of the respondent's incapacity, it would be unfair to proceed on the merits; an adjournment is granted. Interim anti-suit relief to 'hold the ring' is appropriate to prevent prejudice, with safeguards to avoid prejudicing the respondent's right of appeal in Armenia.

Court Disposition

Adjournment granted; interim anti-suit relief ordered to hold the ring pending a full hearing.

Orders

  • Hearing of anti-suit injunction adjourned to earliest available date after 12 April 2021.
  • Respondent to file evidence by 31 March 2021; applicant to reply by 7 April 2021.