Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia (Cultural Bureau) v Costantine [2024] EWCA Civ 332 (13 March 2024)

Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia (Cultural Bureau) v Costantine [2024] EWCA Civ 332 (13 March 2024)

The appeal was dismissed due to the appellant's non-appearance and lack of valid grounds for adjournment. The appellant had ample notice and opportunity to secure representation or resolve payment issues but failed to do so. Granting an adjournment would cause unacceptable delay and prejudice to the respondent, who has already waited over six years for a hearing.

Citation
[2024] EWCA Civ 332
Parties
Defendant/appellant: Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia (Cultural Bureau); Claimant/respondent: Antoinette Costantine
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
13 March 2024
Procedural Posture
Appeal From Employment Appeal Tribunal / Appeal Hearing Before Court of Appeal
Outcome
Appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
State Immunity, Employment Discrimination, Adjournment of Proceedings
Employment Law Public International Law State Immunity Employment Discrimination Adjournment of Proceedings

Case Brief

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Parties

Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia (Cultural Bureau)

Defendant/appellant

Antoinette Costantine

Claimant/respondent

Procedural Posture

Appeal From Employment Appeal Tribunal / Appeal Hearing Before Court of Appeal

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the appellant is entitled to state immunity under the State Immunity Act 1978 in respect of employment discrimination claims
  2. 2 Whether the appeal should be adjourned due to lack of representation for the appellant

Ratio Decidendi

The appeal was dismissed due to the appellant's non-appearance and lack of valid grounds for adjournment. The appellant had ample notice and opportunity to secure representation or resolve payment issues but failed to do so. Granting an adjournment would cause unacceptable delay and prejudice to the respondent, who has already waited over six years for a hearing.

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed

Orders

  • Appeal dismissed for non-appearance and lack of valid grounds for adjournment