DFI v DFJ

Case Significance

DFI v DFJ [2024] SGHC(I) 11 was decided by the Singapore International Commercial Court, with Sir Vivian Ramsey IJ reserving judgment on 3 May 2024 following submissions on 27 March 2024 in Originating Application No 5 of 2023. The decision dealt with costs after Sir Vivian Ramsey IJ had, on 1 February 2024, dismissed the claimant's application to set aside an arbitral award issued by a tribunal in an arbitration administered by the International Chamber of Commerce. The parties were unable to agree on costs and filed costs submissions on 18 March 2024, with the defendant filing reply submissions on 27 March 2024 while the claimant declined to file a reply. The claimant accepted that costs should be awarded to the defendant, leaving only quantum in dispute: the defendant sought $120,848.86 plus $10,667.50 for cost submissions, while the claimant argued the recovery should be limited to $40,000 (the figure in the defendant's case management cost estimate filed on 10 October 2023). The court decided the defendant should recover $131,516.36. The claimant DFI was represented by Dentons Rodyk & Davidson LLP, and the defendant DFJ by Eldan Law LLP.