The Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Cambridge v Persons Unknown [2025] EWHC 454 (KB) (27 February 2025)

The Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Cambridge v Persons Unknown [2025] EWHC 454 (KB) (27 February 2025)

A strictly time-limited interim injunction is justified and necessary to prevent imminent disruption of the University's graduation ceremony at Senate House and Senate House Yard, based on evidence of prior occupations and the absence of disavowal of intent to repeat such actions. The order is limited in scope, duration, and location to ensure proportionality and procedural fairness, with human rights considerations taken into account.

Citation
[2025] EWHC 454 (KB)
Parties
Claimant: The Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Cambridge; Defendants: Persons Unknown; Intervener: European Legal Support Centre
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
27 February 2025
Procedural Posture
Injunction Application (civil) / Interim Relief Hearing
Outcome
Interim injunction granted in limited form
Legal Topics
Interim Injunctions, Trespass, Private Nuisance, Protest Law, Freedom of Assembly, Procedural Fairness
Civil Procedure Property Law Human Rights Interim Injunctions Trespass Private Nuisance Protest Law Freedom of Assembly +1 more

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Parties

The Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Cambridge

Claimant

Persons Unknown

Defendants

European Legal Support Centre

Intervener

Procedural Posture

Injunction Application (civil) / Interim Relief Hearing

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether an interim injunction should be granted against persons unknown to prevent occupation and disruption of University graduation ceremonies.
  2. 2 Whether procedural fairness and notification requirements have been met.
  3. 3 Whether the injunction sought is necessary, proportionate, and justified in light of human rights considerations.

Ratio Decidendi

A strictly time-limited interim injunction is justified and necessary to prevent imminent disruption of the University's graduation ceremony at Senate House and Senate House Yard, based on evidence of prior occupations and the absence of disavowal of intent to repeat such actions. The order is limited in scope, duration, and location to ensure proportionality and procedural fairness, with human rights considerations taken into account.

Court Disposition

Interim injunction granted in limited form

Orders

  • Until 23:00 on 1 March 2025, persons unknown must not, without the University's consent: (1) enter, occupy or remain upon Senate House and Senate House Yard; or (2) erect or place any structure (including tents or sleeping equipment) on Senate House and Senate House Yard.
  • Order to be uploaded to the University's injunction webpage.