953Classifying interests of parties

953 Classifying interests of parties

(1)  If, on proceedings under this Division, or at any time during the prosecution of a judgment, it appears to the Court or a judge, with respect to the whole or any portion of the proceeding, that the interests of the parties can be grouped into a class, the Court or judge –

(a) may direct what parties may attend all or any part of the proceedings; and

(b) may require the parties constituting each or any class to be represented by the same practitioner; and

(c) if the parties constituting a class cannot agree on the practitioner to represent them, may nominate a practitioner for the purpose of the proceedings.

(2)  If a party declines to authorise the practitioner nominated under subrule (1)(c) to act for the party and is represented by a different practitioner, that party is to pay –

(a) the costs of that practitioner; and

(b) any costs incurred by any other party because of the representation by a practitioner other than the nominated practitioner.