The Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Cambridge v Persons Unknown

The Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Cambridge v Persons Unknown

The Court granted a strictly time-limited interim injunction covering only Senate House and Senate House Yard for the coming weekend, finding compelling justification and imminent risk of occupation and disruption to the graduation ceremony. The order is limited to prohibiting entry, occupation, and erection of structures without University consent, based on evidence of prior incidents and the absence of countervailing justification. Procedural fairness was satisfied for the limited order, but not for any wider or longer injunction.

Parties
Claimant: The Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Cambridge; Defendant: Persons Unknown; Intervener: European Legal Support Centre
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
28 February 2025
Procedural Posture
Injunction Application / Interim Judgment
Outcome
Interim injunction granted in part
Legal Topics
Interim Injunctions, Trespass, Private Nuisance, Freedom of Assembly, Procedural Fairness
Civil Procedure Property Law Human Rights Interim Injunctions Trespass Private Nuisance Freedom of Assembly Procedural Fairness

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Parties

The Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Cambridge

Claimant

Persons Unknown

Defendant

European Legal Support Centre

Intervener

Procedural Posture

Injunction Application / Interim Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether an interim injunction should be granted against persons unknown to prevent occupation and disruption of graduation ceremonies at Senate House and Senate House Yard
  2. 2 Whether the application meets substantive and procedural requirements for injunctions against persons unknown
  3. 3 Whether human rights considerations are engaged and properly balanced

Ratio Decidendi

The Court granted a strictly time-limited interim injunction covering only Senate House and Senate House Yard for the coming weekend, finding compelling justification and imminent risk of occupation and disruption to the graduation ceremony. The order is limited to prohibiting entry, occupation, and erection of structures without University consent, based on evidence of prior incidents and the absence of countervailing justification. Procedural fairness was satisfied for the limited order, but not for any wider or longer injunction.

Court Disposition

Interim injunction granted in part

Orders

  • Persons Unknown are prohibited until 23:00 on Saturday 1 March 2025 from entering, occupying, or remaining upon Senate House and Senate House Yard without University consent.
  • Persons Unknown are prohibited until 23:00 on Saturday 1 March 2025 from erecting or placing any structure (including tents or sleeping equipment) on Senate House and Senate House Yard without University consent.