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The Commercial Case Law Index is a collection of judgments from African countries on topics relating to commercial legal practice. The collection aims to provide a snapshot of commercial legal practice in a country, rather than present solely traditionally "reportable" cases. The index currently covers 400 judgments from Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa.
Get started on finding judgments that are relevant to you by browsing the topic list on the left of the screen. Click the arrows next to the topic names to reveal a detailed list of sub-topics. Most judgments are accompanied by a short summary written by subject-matter expert postgraduate students from the University of Cape Town.
Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association v Attorney General and Another (Ruling) (J1/4/2016) [2016] GHASC 91 (21 April 2016); 
HR Index Express and disseminate opinion Substantive rights Human Rights Receive information Substantive rights Human Rights CL Index Injunction Injuctions and interdicts Civil Remedies Interlocutory Injunction Injuctions and interdicts Civil RemediesThe court considered an application by way of notice on motion for an interlocutory injunction restraining the respondents from enforcing the National Media Regulations pending the court’s determination of the substantive suit. The substantive suit related to declarations that the requirement for prior authorization of consent as well as the criminal sanctions were contrary to the Constitution.
The court confirmed that whereas in public law, a court ought to be slow in granting interlocutory injunction, it still has the power to grant one. This is especially so in exceptional cases where there is a need to restrain enforcement of legislation that is being challenged on substantial grounds. The courts will grant an injunction to avoid irreparable injury being caused by the enforcement of a potentially unconstitutional piece of legislation that is being challenged. On this basis, the application was granted.
Dott Services Ltd v Uganda National Roads Authority & Anor (MISCELLANEOUS CAUSE No. 228 OF 2017) [2017] UGCOMMC 152 (2 November 2017); CL Index Interlocutory Injunction Injunctions and interdicts Civil RemediesThe court considered whether the applicant had sufficient grounds for an interlocutory injunction to prevent the first respondent from entering into another contract.
The court held that there are three conditions that an applicant must show for a temporary interlocutory injunction. Firstly, must show that there is a prima facie case with a probability of success. Secondly, must show that he will suffer irreparable harm which will not be adequately compensated by an award for damages. Thirdly, the application is decided on a balance of convenience if the court is in doubt.
The court found that to establish a prima facie case the applicant must show that it is not a frivolous case, in that regard, the applicant did not show that there was a triable issue. Also found that irreparable harm must be substantial or material, in that light the applicant did not the likelihood of irreparable damages and any contemplated damages. The court also found that the balance of convenience was in favour of the respondent because if the injunction because the granting of the injunction would lead to indefinite termination.
Accordingly, the court dismissed the application with costs.