DNO v DNP [2026] SGHC(I) 2 (13 February 2026)

DNO v DNP [2026] SGHC(I) 2 (13 February 2026)

DNP is entitled to indemnity costs for the pre-transfer stage and reasonable costs for the post-transfer stage because DNO's challenge to the arbitral award was so devoid of merit as to warrant indemnity costs, and DNO failed to show that DNP's claimed costs were unreasonable. DNO is not entitled to set off any costs for interlocutory applications as it did not act reasonably or provide sufficient basis for such costs.

Citation
[2026] SGHC(I) 2
Parties
Applicant: DNO; Respondent: DNP
Jurisdiction
Singapore
Judgment Date
13 February 2026
Procedural Posture
Originating Application / Costs Determination Following Dismissal of Application to Set Aside Arbitral Award
Outcome
Costs awarded to DNP; no order as to costs for SUM 20 and SUM 25; interest awarded on costs at 5.33% per annum from date of order until full payment.
Legal Topics
Costs, Indemnity Costs, Standard Costs, Assessment of Costs, Setting Aside Arbitral Award
Civil Procedure Arbitration Costs Indemnity Costs Standard Costs Assessment of Costs Setting Aside Arbitral Award

Case Brief

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Parties

DNO

Applicant

DNP

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Originating Application / Costs Determination Following Dismissal of Application to Set Aside Arbitral Award

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether DNP is entitled to costs on an indemnity basis for both pre-transfer and post-transfer stages
  2. 2 Whether DNO is entitled to set off any costs for interlocutory applications (SUM 20 and SUM 25) against DNP's costs
  3. 3 Whether the quantum of costs claimed by DNP is reasonable and proportionate

Ratio Decidendi

DNP is entitled to indemnity costs for the pre-transfer stage and reasonable costs for the post-transfer stage because DNO's challenge to the arbitral award was so devoid of merit as to warrant indemnity costs, and DNO failed to show that DNP's claimed costs were unreasonable. DNO is not entitled to set off any costs for interlocutory applications as it did not act reasonably or provide sufficient basis for such costs.

Court Disposition

Costs awarded to DNP; no order as to costs for SUM 20 and SUM 25; interest awarded on costs at 5.33% per annum from date of order until full payment.

Orders

  • DNP awarded total costs of $106,123.37 (inclusive of GST and disbursements) for OA 4, comprising Pre-Transfer Costs of $15,260 plus disbursements of $4,381.35, and Post-Transfer Costs of $84,366 plus disbursements of $2,116.02.
  • No order as to costs for SUM 20 and SUM 25.